All American Horse Classic Inaugurates “Stars, Stripes and Heroes"
Thursday, August 15, 2013
On Friday, September 6, the evening session of the All American Classic will be dedicated to the men and women who have served in the military, both past and present. Beginning with a special Color Guard Processional, the evening will feature special classes and ribbons, as well as an opportunity for the horse world to help a wounded warrior by contributing to the show’s Strides to Success Veterans Rehabilitation Program.
Strides is the show’s long time beneficiery, a nationally recognized charity providing therapeutic assistance to at risk individuals in central Indiana for many years. With the new Veterans Rehabilitation Program, they are providing transitional services to groups and individual veterans that address post-war conditions such as traumatic brain injuries, post-traumatic stress, anger management and depression. The Strides therapeutic sessions partners veterans with horses in a variety of activities that promote valuable life skills and provide understanding and a new way to look at their personal challenges. Many wounded veterans face difficulties in finding their footing and in making the adjustment into civilian life after their service. Strides can help.
The charity was selected by the Wounded Warriors Organization as a host site because of their proximity to many veterans returning from war and their premier accredited status from PATH International. (Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship). The Wounded Warrior Organization has partnered with PATH International, as they have set the highest of standards in the equine industry for safety and quality of programs.
As the All American Classic celebrates our American heroes on Friday night, in a setting showcasing our beautiful and exciting show horses and ponies competing for national titles, we ask that exhibitors consider making a contribution in honor of a veteran in their life, by dedicating a ride or drive to a soldier or veteran they’ve known and opening their hearts to help these heroes who have done so much for us..
Pledge forms will be available on the All American Classic web site www.allamericanhorseclassic.net and also at the show. All contributions made in honor of a vet or service personnel this night, be it large or small, will help a wounded warrior on the path to recovery. All dedications will be announced during the show session Friday night.
Strides to Success is privileged and honored to serve our nation’s veterans. As the demand for the program increases, so does the funding needed to provide our veterans with this life changing service. Each course is ten weeks and requires $1,000 per veteran to cover expenses. Will you help to make a life change for a veteran? They did for you…..can you help them?
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