January 17, 2007 — Riding for Reading, a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting reading, literacy and education through equestrian sports and activities, received two important grants to help fund its equestrian based literacy programs. The Equus Foundation selected Riding for Reading as a recipient of one of its 2007 grants, and the U.S. Hunter Jumper Association (USHJA) also provided a grant. These grants will augment Riding for Reading’s 2007 budget.
Riding for Reading’s flagship activity is its Riding for Reading Class. This pleasure-type class is open to any junior rider in 1st through 12th grade, and riders compete in the class representing their school. Regardless of how riders place in the class, every rider’s school receives a donation to its library. Riders receive awards provided by Riding for Reading sponsors and supporters.
At its inaugural event in Los Angeles in September 2006, 50 riders competed in the class and 46 schools received donations to their libraries. Riding for Reading distributed over $5,000 to schools throughout Los Angeles. Many riders were recognized by their schools for their riding accomplishments.
More than 20,000 students benefited from improved library materials because of the Los Angeles Riding for Reading class.
Because of the success of this program and the Equus Foundation and USHJA grants, the Riding for Reading Board of Directors voted to expand its programs in 2007. “Since the current generation relies so heavily on electronic teaching and communication, I firmly believe that the combination of equestrian sports, books and reading will help make exercising the body and the mind a more integral part of our educational system,” said Riding for Reading Board Member Kay Altheuser.
Shows interested in hosting a Riding for Reading class are invited to submit an application. Applications are available online at www.ridingforreading.org, and are due by March 1, 2007. Riding For Reading plans to select three to five shows to host a Riding for Reading Class. Detailed information is available on the Riding for Reading website. Riding for Reading will announce the 2007 host shows by the end of March.
