Incentives of $100,000 in cash and prizes will be offered in 2015 to introduce newcomers to horses and grow the horse industry.
The Time to Ride Challenge returns May 30 through September 30 as a grassroots campaign to grow the horse industry by introducing new enthusiasts to horse activities. The Challenge offers a unique opportunity for horse professionals to grow their businesses while competing for $100,000 in cash and prizes. In 2014, its inaugural year, the Challenge provided more than 25,000 people with first-time horse experiences through 702 beginner-friendly Time to Ride hosts in 49 states.
Time to Ride is an initiative of American horse industry leaders, formed to connect people with horses. It’s designed to encourage horse-interested consumers to enjoy the benefits of horse activities. Time to Ride’s marketing alliance is made up of numerous equine-related associations and companies, including AQHA, who are committed to strengthening the horse industry by introducing horses to new people around the globe.
Registration for the Time to Ride Challenge is open to stables, clubs, veterinarians, feed stores, businesses and organizations dedicated to welcoming newcomers to horse activities. Hosts are organized into small, medium and large divisions and are encouraged to be creative in providing fun, safe and educational horse events that encourage attendees to become further involved in horse activities.
The hosts who provide the greatest number of newcomers an introductory horse experience, as calculated by contact information collected, will win awards. A post-Challenge survey in 2014 found that 92 percent of the 25,281 newcomers who attended a Time to Ride event said they wanted to participate in more horse activities.
AQHA is excited to support this Challenge, which brings horse professionals and eager horse enthusiasts together for a win-win situation.
Visit the Time to Ride website for information on horse events near you, including lessons, trail rides, races and rodeos.
