For Immediate Release
For more information:
Dr. Jennifer Williams, President Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society
Email: info@bluebonnetequine.org
Phone: (888) 542 5163
www.bluebonnetequine.org
(May 15, 2010; College Station, Texas) Equine victims of abuse, neglect and abandonment will be the stars at the 2nd Annual Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge. The Challenge is put on by Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society to showcase the talents of its many rescues horses. “Many people believe rescue horses are used up or somehow damaged,” says Jennifer Williams, President & Executive Director of Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society, “but the fact is there are some amazing horses in our organization. This event gives them the chance to show off what they can do – and hopefully find adopters willing to take them home and give them a chance.”
The Challenge is a training competition that’s open to anyone who is willing to become an approved foster home for Bluebonnet Equine Humane Society as well as professional trainers. Contestants spend three months working with a horse from Bluebonnet and then show off the horse’s skills at the Bluebonnet Horse Expo on October 16, 2010 in Austin, Texas. Anyone wishing to participate who isn’t currently an approved foster home, can apply to become one at the same time they apply for the Challenge.
The Challenge includes categories for professional trainers, experienced foster homes, novice foster homes and youth. Last year’s contestants ranged from novice horse handlers who had limited training experience to professional trainers. All participants show off their horses in front of a panel of judges. Some contestants show off saddle skills, some demonstrate tricks the horses have learned and others show off the horses’ skills in a halter and lead. The handlers will then be asked to take their horses over an obstacle course (either under saddle or in halter).
Each horse/trainer combination will be scored on improvement from initial assessment, condition of horse, obstacle course, and presentation/freestyle. Scores will be tabulated. The highest two scoring horse/trainer combinations in each division will be named Champion and Reserve Champion for their division. The division Champions and Reserve Champions will then do another 10 minute presentation, after which the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion will be chosen. The Grand Champion will be awarded $500 in cash. Each division Champion and Reserve will receive non-cash awards.
All horses who participate in the Bluebonnet Rescue Horse Training Challenge will be offered for adoption the day of the Challenge.
Anyone wishing to participate in the Challenge can download an application at http://www.bluebonnethorseexpo.com or email jenn@bluebonnethorseexpo.com or call (888) 542 5163 for more information.