WASHINGTON, DC — MAY 1, 2013 — Joining a national initiative to increase awareness of and interest in horse-related activities, The American Horse Council announces today the launch of a new Website and social media platform, TimeToRide.com.

With its design based on in-depth consumer research, the site targets moms who are challenged to not only find family-friendly activities but who are also interested in finding refreshed joy for themselves. The site is a collaborative effort of ten horse organizations coordinated through the American Horse Council in Washington, D.C.

“We know American families are strapped for time with the demands of work, school, and day-to-day survival,” said Jay Hickey, president of the American Horse Council. “We need to make it easier for families to discover the benefits of horse-related activities.”

The new site is organized into categories that include lessons and camps, trail riding, rodeos and fairs, and events and shows. It provides links to professional resources and will build a data base of providers through an interactive map to be launched in the near future.

“The horse is a mystery to Americans living in the hustle and bustle of urban and suburban settings,” notes Hickey. “We’re hoping to show that a horse experience is accessible and certainly worth investigation.” The site will deliver general information about horses and different activities, and then make a connection to local and regional opportunities.

To generate participation and enthusiasm, the TimeToRide.com platform includes a rewards system that encourages visitors to join, visit horse-related sites, and share experiences. The rewards include merchandise delivered based points accumulated by visiting equine pages on Facebook or following various Twitter accounts. It will also offer a regular rotation of sweepstakes. The first two sweepstake offers include two tickets to the Preakness Stakes and Belmont horse races.

TimeToRide.com is the first Website and social media platform generated through a coalition of horse organizations: the American Association of Equine Practitioners, the American Horse Council, the American Quarter Horse Association, Dover Saddlery, Farnam, Merck, Merial, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, the United States Equestrian Federation and Zoetis.