The Time to Ride Challenge, a nationwide program dedicated to increasing participation in the horse industry, recognizes participating hosts in 2017’s new #SpotlightSaturday features. The hosts are featured on the Time to Ride social media platforms for their efforts implementing creative, beginner-friendly marketing tactics to welcome newcomers to horses and grow their businesses.

Every week, a different Challenge host in a #SpotlightSaturday post will highlight their hard work and dedication to increasing the number of horse-human interactions across the United States. These hosts schedule events throughout the summer to create opportunities for people in their communities to experience horses for the first time. Each spotlight post will be full of success stories, event ideas, and tips on how to successfully compete in the Time to Ride Challenge.

Kathy Richardson, owner and operator of Rusty Bar Ranch in Roy, Washington, was the first host to appear as the Spotlight on Saturday, May 20. Beginning the Challenge by offering first-time rides at the Puyallup Fair Grounds in Washington, Kathy had plenty to say about the benefits of the Challenge: “If someone is serious about wanting to grow their business and getting out there and promoting themselves to the public, then the Challenge is the way to go.” Currently, Rusty Bar Ranch is in first place in the medium division of the Challenge.

Back east in Port Deposit, Maryland, Renee Dixon of Rolling Hills Ranch, is amping up her game this year. Having gotten a taste of victory by winning $5,000 as a second place winner in the 2016 Challenge, she wanted to remind fellow hosts of the importance behind setting goals and staying organized in the Challenge. Each day offers opportunities for hosts to reach more new people and intentionally work on growing their business and succeeding in the competition. This, and more excellent advice on how to make the most of the Challenge and create beginner-friendly events can be found in this week’s #SpotlightSaturday.

Each spotlight is used to recognize the host’s hard work, as well as provide actionable inspiration for other participants. The Time to Ride team selects the #SpotlightSaturday feature based on their creative tactics, newcomer focus, and effectiveness at reaching the community. To read the weekly spotlights, “like” the Time to Ride Facebook page.

Since 2014, the Challenge has introduced over 98,000 newcomers to the joy of horse activities. To learn more about participating in the Time to Ride Challenge, please visit https://www.timetoride.com/time-to-ride-challenge/. The Challenge runs through September 30th, and registration is free and open throughout. To learn more visit the website or contact info@timetoride.com.

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: American Association of Equine Practitioners, Active Interest Media, American Quarter Horse Association, Farnam, Merck, Merial, Morris Media Network Equine Group, Purina Animal Nutrition LLC, Platinum Performance, The Right Horse Initiative, US Equestrian, and Zoetis. Program Partners are Absorbine, American Paint Horse Association, ASPCA, Equibrand, National Reining Horse Association, Lumina Media, 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.

Time To Ride 2017