The 2018 Time To Ride® Challenge was another resounding success, capping the fifth year of the Challenge contest. Time To Ride is a program of the American Horse Council Marketing Alliance, which was formed in 2012 by a group of equine industry companies and organizations to help sustain and grow the horse industry.
Started in 2014, the Time To Ride Challenge is designed to help introduce people to horses at the grassroots level by encouraging barns to invite newcomers to meet horses one-on-one. Barns participating in the Challenge win cash prizes for attracting the most newcomers.
“The time and effort our Challenge hosts put into this program is remarkable,” said Molly O’Brien, Time To Ride Program Manager. “Their dedication to bringing horses and people together is very inspiring.”
The 2018 Time To Ride Challenge was open June 1 – November 15. Barns competed in three divisions: Small (11 or fewer lesson horses); Large (12 or more lesson horses); and Non-Profit.
The Small Division winner is Miracle Stables of Grabill, IN. Blue Heron Riding Academy of Chandler, IN placed second, and Misfit Stable of Salmon, ID came in third.
Lynn Coulter from Miracle Stables said, “We never dreamed this was even possible but we just kept working. Now that we’ve made it to the end we have huge thank you’s to all our friends and family that helped. Also, a huge thanks to our horses who were so gracious throughout this process.”
In the Large Division, first place was earned by Nova Quarter Horses of Mokena, IL, with YMCA of the Ozarks Triangle Y Ranch in second place.
“Participating in the Time to Ride Challenge over the last few years has been such an experience for not only us but for all the riders we have sparked a passion in,” said Lorri Ebeling of Nova Quarter Horses. “We are truly thankful for all the people that put the time and hard work into making this win happen as well as all the new riders that have come through our doors.”
The Non-Profit Division was won by Freedom Hills Therapeutic Riding Program of Port Deposit, MD. Dreamcatcher Ranch & Rescue of Clermont, FL placed second, with M&M Acres of Lockport, IL taking third.
Alison Wheatley from Non-Profit Division second place winner Dreamcatcher Ranch & Rescue said, “We are so blessed to be able to share our facility with the community and others who stop in while on vacation from all over the world! Your challenge helps us to get so much more recognition than we can alone and spread the word about the work we do as a rescue facility and a sanctuary as well as providing a safe, educational and fun place for the public to enjoy to help offset the costs of the rescue horses.”
Altogether this year’s Challenge introduced close to 18,000 non-horsey people to horses, bringing the five-year Challenge total to over 132,000 newcomers.
About Time To Ride
Time To Ride is managed and funded by the American Horse Council Marketing Alliance. The Marketing Alliance was founded in 2012 by a consortium of equine-related corporations and organizations to encourage and support the growth of the U.S. horse industry. Current members of the Marketing Alliance include: Active Interest Media/Equine Network, American Association of Equine Practitioners, American Horse Council, Boehringer Ingelheim/Merial, Farnam, Morris Media Network, The Right Horse Partnership, Platinum Performance, Purina, US Equestrian, and Zoetis. Additional support is provided by Absorbine, American Paint Horse Association, American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Equibrand, Horse Illustrated and Young Rider, and National Reining Horse Association. To learn more please visit email , or call 512-591-7811.
For more information contact Molly O’Brien, Time To Ride Program Manager: molly@timetoride.com ; (512) 591-7811.
