Only a couple of days remain to enter Time to Ride’s Pledge to Take a Friend Riding sweepstakes. The contest ends September 16th and will send one lucky winner on a dream-come-true trip to Kentucky simply for sharing horseback riding with a friend. The goal is to encourage equestrians of all disciplines to share their love for horses with a pal who’s not currently involved, making it easier for new people to experience the joys of horseback riding.
The overarching mission of Time to Ride is to make horse activities more accessible for new participants. “We know how powerful word of mouth recommendations are, especially for those considering a sport like riding, which can seem intimidating, difficult, technical, or expensive to an outsider,” stated marketing manager Christie Schulte. “We all have a duty to help lower entry barriers by reaching out to our network and inviting a friend to come to the barn, meet our horses, learn about lesson programs or other ways to get involved, and take him or her on their very first horseback ride!”
Some equestrians may find their friends include former riders looking for an opportunity to get back into riding after a hiatus, or parents looking for a safe place to take their horse-crazy child for lessons. In any situation, a recommendation from a trusted friend will help the new enthusiasts enjoy a successful first experience and continue their participation in horse activities for the long haul.
Taking the pledge are equestrian celebrities including David O’Connor, Al Dunning, D. Wayne Lukas, Lyle Lovett, Lindy Burch, Tom McCutcheon, Lynn Palm, Kerry Kuhn, and more. These celebrities are showing their support for the movement and need to introduce the general public to horses. Lynn Palm, 34-time AQHA World and Reserve World Champion and four-time Superhorse Champion, says “Exposing people to horses is magical! People with no experience end up wanting to ride, love and own a horse. This is just what we need to keep our horse industry strong!”
The 2017 winner will receive a Kentucky Horse Crazy Trip for two, including two passes to Kentucky Horse Park, a Kentucky Horse Park Trail Ride, Keeneland Grandstand Reserved Seating and a tour of Keeneland. They will also receive participation for one in a Dan James horsemanship clinic in Kentucky. Please see timetoride.com/pledge for more details.*
*No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and D.C., age 18 or older. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. Sweepstakes ends at 5:00 p.m. ET on September 16, 2017. For full official rules and to enter, visit www.timetoride.com/pledge. Sponsored by American Horse Council dba Time to Ride, 1616 H Street NW, 7th Floor, Washington, DC 20006.
For questions regarding the Pledge, contact Time to Ride at info@timetoride.com or call (512) 591-7811.
The American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance
Time to Ride is an initiative of the American Horse Council’s Marketing Alliance, formed to connect people with horses. It is designed to encourage horse-interested consumers to enjoy the benefits of horse activities. The AHC Marketing Alliance is made up of the following organizations: the American Association of Equine Practitioners, Active Interest Media, the American Quarter Horse Association, Boehringer Ingelheim, Farnam, Merck, Morris Media Network Equine Group, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Platinum Performance, The Right Horse Initiative, US Equestrian, and Zoetis. Program Partners are Absorbine, the American Paint Horse Association, ASPCA, Equibrand, the National Reining Horse Association, Lumina Media, the America’s Mustang Campaign, and Colorado State University Equine Sciences Program.
About the American Horse Council
The American Horse Council is a non-profit organization that includes all segments of the horse industry. While its primary mission is to represent the industry before Congress and the federal regulatory agencies in Washington, DC, it also undertakes national initiatives for the horse industry. Time to Ride, the AHC’s Marketing Alliance to connect horses and people, is such an effort. The American Horse Council hopes that Time to Ride will encourage people and businesses to participate in the industry, enjoy our horses, and support our equine activities and events. The AHC believes a healthy horse industry contributes to the health of Americans and America in many ways.
