Young Riders' Fundraising Activities

Many of the young riders competing here at the NAYRC have worked as hard at fundraising as they have on their equestrian pursuits. One such group is the Region 2 Dressage Team.

Comprised of Jacqueline Paxton, 19, of Cincinnati, OH, Joanne Chmiel, 20, of Northbrook, IL, and sisters Reese, 20, and Lindsay Koffler, 16, of Lexington, KY, the Region 2 Team raised funds for their journey to the NAYRC by selling raffle tickets for a trip to Paris. Along with their Chef d' Equipe, Deirdre Toner, the teammates sold raffle tickets at horse shows and to local businesses in their hometowns. The eventual raffle winner was Al Nahra of Lexington, KY who has little interest in horses, but bought raffle tickets to encourage the dreams of these fine riders.

The riders also asked many businesses and organizations for their support. Sallee Horse Vans, Inc. of Lexington, KY sponsored travel for the team's horses from the mid-west to Colorado. Kentucky Dressage Association and the Mid-South Combined Training and Dressage Association each gave $500 to help defray competition expenses. Many other businesses and individuals, such as KBC of Lexington, Bob Michlers, Florabunda Designs, Fast Signs, and Schmidt's Signs all donated goods or services.

Through their fundraising activities, the team has grown close to one another and has developed great team spirit. Paxton, who will be a freshman at the University of Cincinnati in September, echoes the sentiment of the team. "I want to ride my best and get the best out of my horse to help the team. And, as a team, we want to give everyone a run for their money!" This is Paxton's second year competing at the NAYRC; in 1999 she was a member of the Region 2 Silver Medal team.

Chmiel, a former team silver medalist, is in her third year competing at the Championships. She wants to "show off all our work. The hard work and dedication we've put into our riding has led to this opportunity, as individuals and as teammates."

Meanwhile, sisters Reese and Lindsay Koffler are relishing the chance to ride on the same team. "This is our first time on a team together," said Reese. "It is very special to share this experience with my sister as well as with the rest of the team."

Related Links
highprairiefarms.com
www.youngriders.org
dressagedaily.comDaily reports on the NAYRC Dressage competition
junior-riders.comMore coverage as junior-riders launches eurodressage.com at the 2000 NAYRC.