Page 15 - CFAN_Jun2014

FEATURE | equine

JUMP

Will

FOOD

for

Ridge Riders 4-H Group Puts on

Horse Shows to Help Feed Local Kids

by MARYLU GALLAGHER

OAbove: Meredith
Gallagher and Risky
N MAY 17, Ridge Point Stables, located on Firetower Road Business, owned by
Val Kramer and Kathy
near Lake Hatchineha, hosted the second Ridge Riders 4-H
Roessner.
Charity Horse Show. he proceeds of the horse show went Right: Abby Grant

to kidsPACK of Polk County.
and Tommy Hiliger,
galloping towards
the next jump.

Last year, the leaders of the Ridge Riders 4-H Group, Kathy Daniel,
Jody Grant, and Meredith Gallagher, came up with the idea of running

a charity horse show. he group chose to present and run these shows

to help feed the kids of Polk County. heir irst attempt was October 26,
2013 and they successfully raised $1,375 for their cause.

he use of the facility was donated by Ridge Point Stables and the
4-H group requested donations to cover the cost of putting on the show. While the horse show

Everything collected before and during the show (except for the cost of a continued near the stables, several of the
judge, ribbons, awards, and food) went back to kidsPACK. As a result of dads and non-riders competed in a ishing tournament

sponsor donations and competitors, the second event netted over $3,000 on one of the small lakes on the property. Cane poles and casting rods
for kidsPACK!
with various baits spread out among the steep banks of Horse Shoe Pond,
Twenty-six horse and rider combinations competed in 18 classes, but the ish were not cooperating. Instead, the contestants were allowed a

starting with a Leadline class and culminating with
inal chance as they “ished” for a lucky number
a Speed Jumper class. Marylu Gallagher served as Everything collected out of hat. Sam Grant drew the lucky number

judge and announcer, Emily Everett performed beforeduringand was awarded a $50 git certiicate, donated
paddock master duties, and several kids from andtheshow
by Cypress Gardens Walmart.

Lakeland Christian High School Equestrian Club (except for the cost of a judge, During lunch anyone who hadn’t brought
and Ridge Point staf served as jump crew.
a picnic found freshly grilled hamburgers
ribbons, awards, and food) went
kidsPACK.
Pre-show sponsors included Surgicare of
back and hotdogs being served for any donation.
Brandon; Friends of Whiz Bang; Friends of Bach;
to
Everyone took time to cool of in the shade of
Twisted Arts, LLC; First Fleet/Shelnik Transport;
the barn aisle and enjoy an ice cold drink of

Summerlin Fence, Feed and Garden Center of Davenport; Lake Wales their choosing with their lunch. Ater an hour break, the irst class of
Car Wash; Linda Stetler; Jim Staiano; Curlew Construction; Sam the aternoon began and the classes moved along smoothly thanks to all

Lovering; Polk County Commissioner Justin Troller; Cypress Gardens the volunteer help.
Walmart; Vinnie’s Smoking Grill; Jennings Resort; Southern Roots he inal event of the day was an added feature to the event: the

Salon; and Carlton’s Music.
Horseless Horse Show, which was inspired by a favorite activity of all

continued on page 22

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