Do you hear this from co-workers, acquaintances or relatives when they find out you’re involved in the horse world? For people who love horses but don’t actively participate, getting involved with the equestrian world can seem impossible. The misconception that you have to own a horse of your own, live in the country or have tons of money prevents many would-be riders from getting started.
This is where the Time to Ride Challenge comes in.
Between June 1 and September 30, 2016, stables and other horse-related businesses or organizations can participate in the Time to Ride challenge by hosting events specifically targeted toward beginning riders and newcomers to the horse world. Participants are able to compete for prizes by bringing in the most new riders.
Time to Ride Events
Participants host educational events at their stables that will bring people through the barn doors. This can include open barns, family fun days, scout troop badge workshops, or whatever creative ideas will bring the local public in to meet the horses and get hooked!
Time to Ride participants at Cooperstown Equestrian Park
How It Works
Sign up at timetoride.com—there’s no cost to register. Post your events at least five days prior to the start of the event. Time to Ride provides digital liability releases which must be signed by all participants—these will also serve as your “newcomer log” to keep track of where you stand in the challenge. The program also provides marketing support kit to help you get the word out about your event.
The Challenge and the Prizes
Particpating stables and organizations are classified by size based on the number of lesson horses, employees or members (see timetoride.com for more information.) At the conclusion of the challenge, Time to Ride will award cash prizes for the top ten participants in each division, up to $10,000 for the first place winner.
Interested? You can sign up any time during the challenge period (now through September 30), but the sooner you get started, they more time you’ll have to bring in newcomers.
Get all the details at timetoride.com.
I like that all the girls/kids have helmets. Good ideas.
Love those little girls smile and excitement. Good article.
Young people are needed in the horse industry, and it is good to see them wanting to ride.