The NSBA Foundation hosted a Heroes on Horses event on March 9, 2022 during the Arizona Sun Circuit held at WestWorld in Scottsdale, Arizona. Presented as a special project of the NSBA Foundation, with funding from the Bob and Ingrid Miller Family of Mesa, Arizona, the event was important milestone meeting the goal to establish and expand the outreach to Veterans beyond its current format at the NSBA World Championship Show and All-American Quarter Horse Congress.
This year’s event brought Veterans together from Arizona, Texas and California to participate and compete with their peers. The event included a Veteran-only boot camp, where the Veteran exhibitors worked with NSBA professionals to sharpen their skills and practice for the competition. Competitors, their families and riding center representatives shared dinner and camaraderie with a warm welcome from Ingrid Miller and remarks from Jeanna Irby, retired Air Force, and this year’s Heroes on Horses at Arizona Sun Circuit Western Pleasure class winner.
Wednesday’s events started with a lunch provided by the NSBA Foundation through the support of LHM Financial, a Scottsdale-based mortgage company. The Parade of Heroes started at 11:30 am in the Equine Chronicle Arena with nearly 100 people carrying flags to honor the veterans. The parade was complete with Mounted Police, Color Guard and the Riderless Horse. The competition that followed resulted with the winners being recognized in front a crowd of supporters.
2022 NSBA Heroes On Horses at Arizona Sun Circuit
- First Place: Jeana Irby
- Second Place: Shurray Barnes
- Third Place: Roy McQuaig
- Fourth Place: Kristie Vollrath
- Fifth Place: Jackie Boyd
The 3-year commitment from the Bob and Ingrid Miller Family of Mesa, Arizona will allow NSBA to bring the Heroes on Horses program this new venue in the Western United States hosted as part of the Arizona Sun Circuit through 2024.
“It is our vision that this financial support will bring additional awareness to the “Model of Inclusion” the NSBA embodies by including Veterans who participate in therapeutic riding programs across the country. My husband, Bob, & I feel this is a small way our family can say thank you to the brave men and women whose service and sacrifice allows us the freedom to enjoy and love our show horses” said Ingrid Miller, exhibitor, and lifetime member of the NSBA.
As part of the NSBA Equestrians with Disabilities division (EWD), the Heroes on Horses program is a catalyst for recognition and thanks to our military service men and women who ride and compete.
“Today there is great hope that the future of showing horses includes riders of all abilities and this segment of the industry will continue to flourish. NSBA can lead the way to build healthy, vibrant relationships while providing a platform to recognize skill levels and growth of all riders who share the common love and respect of the horse,” said Stephanie Lynn, Executive Director of NSBA.
Heroes on Horses is funded as a special project of the NSBA Foundation. For more information on the NSBA Foundation contact Foundation Director Lynn Campbell at lcampbell@nsba.com or www.nsba.com. Follow NSBA on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.
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