The Challenge of the Americas
For the Breast Cancer Research Foundation
Palm Beach International Equestrian Center, Wellington, Fla.
March 7, 2009
www.challengeoftheamericas.com
Three teams compete in the High Jump and Musical Quadrilles made up of two jumper and six dressage professionals from North America, South America and Europe.
Quadrille scored by three international judges counts for 60% of the teams score with the jumping portion scored at 40%. Each dressage
quadrille must contain all the elements of the Grand Prix. Jumping scored on height cleared at increasingly higher levels. Final height
cleared in 2006 was 6'11"!
Gala table prices from $2,000 to $6,500, $250 individual. General admission tickets are $20.
"Quadrille participants spend months creating and practicing these quadrilles, which are the main draw for our event," said Mary Ross,
founder and chairman of the Challenge of the Americas (COTA).
Sponsor contributions in funds and donations significantly help the COTA effort. From donation of venues, insurance coverage, to 2000 pink roses for the gala flown in from Colombia, to volunteers to corporate sponsored teams, to the riders, horse owners, coaches, choreographers, soundtrack producers, judges, and jump crew.
"Everyone who worked with the 2008 event, and all those who attended, are responsible for the $300,000 contribution," said Ross.
Ride For Life
Cancer Benefit Horse Show
Prince George's Equestrian Center, Upper Marlboro, Md.
June 20-21, 2009
www.pvdarideforlife.org
Ride For Life (R4L) is a recognized dressage show AND breast cancer fundraiser for the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Center. Run by the PVDA (Potomac Valley Dressage Association), a non-profit, is the second oldest dressage club in the U.S.
100% of rider donations go to Johns Hopkins and are tax deductible. Over 50% of the funds raised for JHU come from rider donations raised by both riders and those entered in the Phantom Horse Class (non-riders). In 2004, R4L raised $3,307; in 2008 over $70,000.
"It really speaks for people's support for the cause. The freestyle tribute and quarter-sheets honoring families that lost members to breast
cancer was also hugely touching," said PVDA President and Co-Chair Ride for Life Committee.
Two day event hosts a Gala dinner, The Dancing Horse Challenge with freestyle exhibitions by FEI riders (Cesar Parra, Chris Hickey, Jane
Hannigan and Jules Anderson), quadrille drill teams and clinics (with Olympian Nicole Uphoff-Selke). For 2009, considering an invitation
freestyle challenge with prize money.
License deals with merchandise suppliers gives 25% of their profits to Johns Hopkins. "Support from Dover Saddlery, Dressage Today,
DressageClinic.com, DressageDaily.com, and others is instrumental in growing this event," said Martin-Tucker.
Founded in 1964, PVDA promotes dressage through education, scholarships and competitions.
