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Horsemen Brave Cold Temps To Raise Money For FOTAS
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Article featured in The Aiken Standard 01/09/2010
Horsemen made their rides count Saturday at Three Runs Plantation in the Friends of the Animal Shelter dressage and combined test schooling show which served as a fundraiser for the Aiken County Animal Shelter.
The intrepid horsemen braved the elements and rode despite the cooler temperatures and windy conditions.
"I've been very pleased with the turnout," said Juli Hearn, FOTAS and the show's organizer. "It's great that people haven't let the weather bother them."
The maintenance crew at Three Runs Plantation volunteered their time and made sure the footing in the rings was safe throughout the schooling show, said Hearn.
"This is the perfect venue to have a show like this," she said.
Eventer Sarah Hansel had several rides Saturday.
"It's a lovely facility and for a great cause," said Hansel. "It's a really great start to the (eventing) season. It's great for the young horses. You get to see some new jumps at a new place."
Wayne Raiford, Three Runs Plantation developer, was extremely helpful in making sure the fundraiser went smoothly, said Mary Lou Welch with FOTAS.
"He has been so generous in opening this facility up to us," she said. "He provided the clubhouse and a maintenance person to come and help us set up the jumps and drag the rings starting at 7:30 this morning. He's gone in whenever we asked him to. The footing has been fabulous. He's been terrific. There couldn't be anyone nicer."
FOTAS is always looking for volunteers, said Hearn. In addition to the attention they give to the dogs and cats at the Aiken County Animal Shelter and their donations, additional help at the shelter is always welcome. FOTAS also stressed the importance of the spay/neuter program as 90 percent of the animals that are brought to the Animal Shelter are euthanized.
"They (the volunteers) worked for four hours yesterday putting up jumps and getting everything just perfect," said Welch. "They arrived at 7 a.m. and have been here all day. It's so gratifying to see the support from these volunteers. It has been fabulous."
Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.
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