Chip In For Thrive at Blenheim Equisports

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

The 2016 horse show season is underway and we have some exciting news to share; Blenheim Equisports has chosen Thrive Animal Rescue as one of the four charities who will benefit this year from their innovative new Chip In For Charity program. Kicking off during the Blenheim Spring Series, every blue ribbon class winner will receive a "chip" that can be used to redeem a first place prize, or to donate the chip's value to one of the four charities in the program. 

Thrive, along with Uryadi's Village, Park Place Foundation and The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding was selected by Blenheim based on their admiration for the work that we do to save homeless and neglected dogs and place them into loving homes. "Blenheim really gave us our start by allowing us to bring dogs to the horse shows for adoption events." said Thrive Founder Cece Bloum "They helped to put us on the map in terms of recognition within the equestrian community, and in doing so opened up a host of potential forever homes." 

Like Thrive, all of the selected charities have strong ties to the equestrian world. "We are constantly inspired by those that work tirelessly for charity," said Melissa Brandes, Blenheim EquiSports VP of Marketing. "We're excited to join with our extended horse show family to help support these great causes.” 

See you at the shows! 

Uryadi's Village: Founded by Jennifer Crooks, Uryadi's Village is a non-profit organization whose mission is to support vulnerable children and their extended families around the globe by developing social, economic and environmentally renewable systems with orphans, vulnerable women and children where the need is greatest. Their current focus is in Ethiopia, Africa which has five million orphans, more than any other country in the world.

Park Place Foundation: Park Place Foundation, based in Southern California, was formed to promote and embrace a healthy lifestyle for children and teens as they embark into their journey toward adulthood. The Foundation strives to make changes in how society perceives and treats addiction and mental illness through education, increased awareness and sharing the personal stories of peers. The Scarlett's Jumper Derby, held in San Juan Capistrano by Blenheim EquiSports, is one of the area events that benefits the Park Place Foundation. Now in its third year, Scarlett's Derby brings attention to some of the stories behind the Foundation's mission.

The Shea Center for Therapeutic Riding: Established in 1978 and located in San Juan Capistrano, the J.F. Shea Therapeutic Riding Center is dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through therapeutic horse-related programs. It was founded by Nancy and Derek Lewis for their son Michael, who was born with cerebral palsy. The Shea Center now serves over 860 riders each year, utilizing 20 horses and the assistance of more than 750 community volunteers.