For over a decade, Ariat International has sponsored the EQUUS Foundation Champions program which aims to stimulate and reward volunteerism on behalf of horses. Thanks to the generosity of Ariat, ten equine charities each receive a $500 grant based on their charity’s volunteer participation during the past year, and each quarter, five deserving volunteers at equine charities across the United States receive an Ariat Gift Card, valued at $270, for a pair of Ariat Boots.
The ten equine charities receiving $500 grants for volunteer participation in 2024 are:
BraveHearts Therapeutic Riding & Educational Center
Endeavor Therapeutic Horsemanship
Horses with Hope
Lucky Orphans Horse Rescue
MARE Riding Center
Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue and Retirement
Rising Starr Horse Rescue
Rose of Sharon Equestrian School
The Equus Effect
Unbridled Sanctuary
The EQUUS Foundation would like to congratulate the individual winners for the fourth quarter of 2024: Christina Ecklund, Jennifer Elder, Megan Grimes, Penny Schneider, and Julie Suehr. The EQUUS Foundation is grateful for volunteers like these who dedicate their time to keeping horses safe and healthy and aiding the charities and horses that serve people in need.
Christina Ecklund
Begin Again Horse Rescue, Inc. (BAHR)
Lima, New York
Christina Ecklund’s love for all animals, and especially horses, began on her family’s farm at an early age. To build her knowledge and horsemanship, she participated in 4-H and also worked for various horse farms and was able to volunteer with the local equine veterinarian. Married with two daughters, horses have continued to be a part of her life, including supporting her children’s love of animals and riding.
Ecklund has volunteered for BAHR for the past eight years, serving as a member of the board, recording secretary, assisting with community outreach events, caring for the horses, and as part of the financial team. Ecklund also cares for two rescue horses and a mini donkey on her small farm.
Ecklund said, “I believe that we need to stand together as the voice for those in need and for equine welfare advocacy thank the EQUUS Foundation and Ariat who support the work of animal rescue and rehabilitation across the country.”
Jennifer Elder
Sunshine Horses
Clay, New York
Jennifer Elder grew up riding and started volunteering in high school at Sunshine Horses as a way to spend more time with horses. When not volunteering, Elder works as a chemist in central NY. “I’ve enjoyed getting to know and helping to care for many wonderful rescue horses alongside a great team of volunteers,” said Elder.
Megan Grimes
Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center
Redmond, Washington
Megan Grimes has been a dedicated volunteer at Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center for the past two years, returning after initially serving as a side walker two decades ago.
Following her retirement from a career in corporate HR to run a home-based consulting business, Grimes found herself with greater flexibility and a renewed desire to immerse herself in the grounding presence of horses. Reconnecting with Little Bit was a natural choice, combining her passion for helping both people and horses.
Grimes said, “I cherish the opportunity to work alongside a community of supportive, like-minded individuals, while witnessing the transformative power of these gentle giants. For me, Little Bit is not only a place to give back but also a space to learn, grow, and embrace the present moment.”
Penny Schneider
Horsepower
High Point, North Carolina
Penny Schneider’s life took an unexpected turn when she came across an article about Horsepower in her local paper. Having relocated from Massachusetts to North Carolina and with her two daughters both off to college, she was searching for a sense of community. She called Horsepower the very next day to volunteer.
Having ridden since childhood, and owned horses for many years, she was excited to combine her passion for horses with helping others in a therapeutic setting. It was also an opportunity to tap into her degree in Communication Science and Disorders from the University of Vermont.
Now, 12+ years later, she said, “I have had the privilege and joy of witnessing the personal growth of the riders with whom I have worked and to see so many horses be given a second career as therapy horses. I would like to thank the EQUUS Foundation and Ariat for recognizing the value of the many therapeutic riding programs throughout the country.”
Julie Suehr
CANTER Michigan
Commerce Township, Michigan
After retiring from Kellogg Company following 30 years of service, Julie Suehr and her husband decided to move to Northern Michigan and purchase a horse property. Although it had been more than 40 years since either of them had horses, they were up for the challenge and now co-own Second Wind Ranch.
Julie started researching all things horse and horse ownership which led her to discovering CANTER Michigan. She began volunteering in October 2023 and joined the board of directors in January 2024. Over the course of the last year, she and her husband have adopted four CANTER Michigan Off Track Thoroughbreds and purchased one other directly from the owner. All five horses are currently in training for their second careers and are progressing very well.
Suehr said, “We are so excited to see these incredibly athletic horses transform into their second careers! Volunteering with CANTER Michigan is so rewarding as we are enabling horses and their adopters to forge amazing partnerships and accomplishments.”
Learn more about Champions at equusfoundation.org/champions
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ABOUT EQUUS FOUNDATION: The EQUUS Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity established in 2002, is the only national animal welfare charity and accrediting body in the United States that is 100% dedicated to equine welfare and with the dual mission to protect America’s horses from peril and strengthen the bond between people and horses. Donations are tax-deductible to the full extent of the law. Contact the EQUUS Foundation, Inc., at 168 Long Lots Road, Westport, CT 06880, Tele: (203) 259-1550, E-Mail: mail@equusfoundation.org. Visit: Visit equusfoundation.org.
ABOUT ARIAT INTERNATIONAL: Ariat International, Inc. is the leading manufacturer of innovative performance equestrian footwear, apparel and belts. Featuring a patented technology designed to deliver stability, durability and comfort, Ariat pioneered the application of advanced athletic shoe technology into English riding boots and authentic Western boots. Ariat products are sold in a network of retail outlets throughout the world. For more information about Ariat products or for the Ariat retailer nearest you, contact Ariat at 800.899.8141 or visit ariat.com.
Media Contact:
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Contact: Lynn Coakley
mail@equusfoundation.org
203-259-1550