The last weekend in October was a true celebration of the horse in Tryon, North Carolina.  Volunteers from varying segments the horse world came together to raise awareness of equine welfare, and the result was a celebration of horses, film and community.

Before traveling to the Tryon region for this event, I had previously worked with Edge Brewing Equestrian promoting their last philanthropic efforts for Horses N Heroes of Marion County (Ocala, Fl).  I had the opportunity to get to know Kim and Christian Oliver, who have been a driving force in equine related 501C’s which have positive impact on the greater community. 

Once again, the Olivers became the nucleus of a larger effort to improve horse welfare by ‘Saving Horses One Beer at a Time’ for HERD Rescue, located in Tryon.  This year I met an army of other like-minded horse lovers in step with the Olivers, and it is their combined efforts which made my adventures in Tryon so memorable.

HERD (Helping Equines Regain Dignity) is a fairly new equine rescue, founded in 2016 by Heather Freeman, a Tryon area horse lover who discovered that horses at the area auction were being sourced by a kill buyer.  In the time since HERD began their mission, over 200 horses have been saved, retrained and placed in many loving homes.  Below is their mission and purpose:

• Save horses from the slaughter pipeline to Mexico and Canada
  
• Restore rescued horses to their best possible physical and mental health
• Carefully evaluate and professionally train each horse to maximize their potential
• Based on capabilities - match every rescue to an appropriate, loving, forever home
• Provide ongoing support and monitoring to horses and owners post placement
  

Upon arriving in Tryon, I quickly became acquainted with many of the players in the HERD effort. This enthusiastic group of do-gooders was lead by the gracious and spunky Stuart Evans, a retired banker, who clearly still utilizes her corporate relationship management skills to get positive results!  

Through Stuarts’ unrelenting charm and optimism, she lead a group of 13 HERD volunteers in orchestrating a weekend fundraising clinic at Traycee and Eric Dierk’s Renovation Farm in Tryon.  The Dierks generously opened up their farm to host the Barteau Family from KYB Dressage, who volunteered their time to lead both ground work and dressage clinics throughout the weekend.  Of the 57 clinic attendees who took part in the weekend clinic, many of the horses were actual HERD rescues and/or graduates! 

-Upon conclusion of the day’s horse clinics, the communal efforts to raise awareness for HERD spilled over into Friday night, as festivities continued at the Tryon International Film Festival opening night gala.   Held in downtown Tryon, TRIFF worked in conjunction with Kim Oliver to feature the documentary film produced by KYB Dressage, ‘Into the Spotlight: The Journey of an Equine Theater Horse’ which was featured at TRIFF to draw awareness to the plight of abandoned horses.

The party continued throughout the weekend as KYB Dressage performed their musical freestyle of The Lion King at the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Saturday night, prior to the final Grand Prix show jumping competition.  To further help the goal of raising awareness of HERD, TRIFF presented a shorter film about HERD which was shown on TIEC’s Jumbotron during the exhibition.

The Olivers and Edge Brewing Equestrian were this year’s charity sponsors for HERD, underwriting the travel (from Chicago) of the KYB Dressage trainers, performers and horses to the 2017 Tryon International Film Festival.   They were the connectors who brought together TRIFF, KYB Dressage and all of the HERD volunteers who shared in the raising awareness about the plight of unwanted horses through rescue, retraining and re-purposing efforts.

The weekend was a great success, not only through fund raising efforts, but by putting HERD on the map as an organization making a real and positive change in the lives of 200+ horses (and their new humans).   HERD’s mission was presented to an international crowd of horse and movie lovers at TIEC and TRIFF, and by featuring them in this way, HERD made new contacts all over the country and even the world.
 
Kim Oliver said it best in my introductory article about this event,  “To affect real change in an industry that benefits from animals which bring us so much joy, you have to inspire more and more groups of people to take up the charge – movie makers, film festivals, horse trainers, performers, business owners, writers, neighbors and anyone else who can help.  If we can keep doing that, while having fun drinking beer, making new friends and saving some horses, we have achieved our goals!”

The weekend was an inspiration for all the kindness that exists within our equestrian community.  I was honored to be involved, and thankful to the Olivers for the introduction to HERD, KYB Dressage, the crew at TRIFF and the countless volunteers!  

Please consider learning more about HERD and becoming involved, either through a direct donation, or by getting to know the key players within these organizations.  Take action by contacting them, interviewing them, and spreading the love on social media.

Horse welfare and safety will only improve through our collective passion and effort!  Please take the time to learn more about HERD:
http://www.herdrescue.org/
Stuart Evans - President
ssbevans@windstream.net

A heartfelt thanks to the following participants:
Edge Brewing Equestrian
The Barteau Family and KYB Dressage
Eric and Traycee Dierks Renovatio Farm
The Tryon International Film Festival
The Tryon International Equestrian Center
The Tryon Hounds

One of the greatest aspects of the equestrian industry is the connections, relationships and experiences that form through our collective love of horses.  For me, one of those relationships was born several years ago through my clients at Ocala Horse Properties and Wellington Equestrian Realty, when I was introduced to Kim and Christian Oliver. 

The Olivers are owners of Edge Brewing Barcelona, and through the success of that company, they have donated profits to horse related charities in need of community support.  Most importantly, they have given their time, hearts and passion to horses and people in need. 

I am honored to have made this connection and thrilled to visit them in Tryon next week, where a large group of like-minded people will be donating their time at the Tryon International Film Festival to raise awareness for HERD (Helping Equines Regain Dignity)!  Please read below..............

For Immediate Release
Press Inquiries:
Lisa Thomas
Lisa@MidAtlanticEquestrianServices.com
484-888-9626

Edge Brewing Equestrian Continues To Save Horses One Beer At A Time!

Edge Brewing Equestrian, the philanthropic arm of Edge Brewing Barcelona, has been ‘Saving Horses One Beer At a Time’ since 2015.  

Edge Brewing Barcelona was founded in 2013 by co-owners Scott Vanover and Tryon area resident Christian Oliver who wanted to bring American craft beer to the European market.   In 2014, Edge Brewing Barcelona was voted top new brewer in the world, and that success enabled them to start a philanthropic arm of their company named Edge Brewing Equestrian.  Their mission in giving back to the equine community began with the simple ideology of choosing an inspirational horse related charity and allocating a portion of profits from their award winning line of European beers.

In the past, Edge Equestrian has worked with Horses N Heroes, an Ocala Florida 501C dedicated to providing an equine learning and mentoring experience for young girls who come from at-risk families experiencing extreme financial, health or emotional hardship.  Through this relationship, Edge Brewing Equestrian began their foray into documentary film making, producing the film, ‘Reflections’, winner of the People’s Choice Award at the 2015 Equus Film Festival in New York City!

This year, proceeds from Edge Brewing Barcelona’s line of beers will be donated to the local Tryon 501C horse rescue group HERD (Helping Equines Regain Dignity). HERD’s mission is to ‘Save One Horse At A Time’  by rescuing equines from dire conditions and in many cases slaughter.  Primarily using their own funds members have rescued, vetted, fed, trained, and given these equines a second chance at life.

Kim Oliver, wife of EBB’s co-owner, Christian Oliver, has been the driving force behind their philanthropic efforts.  Her involvement with HERD began when she spotted the faces of two small rescue horses on Facebook and realized they were located in the Tryon region.  Upon adopting these two characters and a mini, their fate was sealed and they began their rehabilitation at the Oliver’s farm in Tryon.  

Their extra property and barn were perfect for fostering young horses who needed time and training, so the Olivers decided to donate that space to HERD.  As time has progressed, the Olivers have helped purchase hay and feed as well.  Kim has become an expert in hay production and has doubled the yield of their pastures through fertilizing and seeding so they would have more hay to donate to the rescues.

Fast forward to the 2017 Tryon International Film Festival, and once again Edge Equestrian finds themselves involved in the documentary film industry.  Upon learning that TRIFF’s Opening Night Gala movie would be a documentary film promoting the training and rehabilitation of rescued horses, Kim Oliver leapt into action.  

“EBB is pleased to offer this year’s charity sponsorship to HERD by sponsoring the travel of the KYB Dressage trainers, performers and horses to the 2017 Tryon International Film Festival.  We are proud to support organizations like TRIFF, HERD and KYB Dressage who share in the commitment to raise awareness about the plight of unwanted horses, highlighting rescue, retraining and re-purposing efforts.”

Throughout the weekend of October 27-29, 2017, the documentary film produced by KYB Dressage, ‘Into the Spotlight: The Journey of an Equine Theater Horse’ will be featured at TRIFF to draw awareness to the plight of abandoned horses.  In addition, the human and equine stars of ‘Into The Spotlight’ from KYB dressage have donated their time and expertise to conduct horsemanship clinics, and the fees from the clinic will benefit HERD.   

KYB Dressage will also perform at the Tryon International Equestrian Center on Saturday, October 28th, prior to the final Grand Prix show jumping competition of the season.  This performance is aimed at raising awareness about the plight of unwanted equines in front of a large international audience of horse lovers.  To help towards the goal of aiding this 501C, TRIFF has filmed a shorter video about HERD which will also be shown on TIEC’s Jumbotron during the exhibition.  There are clearly many caring groups involved in the orchestration of all the activities to benefit HERD, and Kim Oliver is thrilled to bring so many like-minded people together. “To affect real change in an industry that benefits from animals which bring us so much joy, you have to inspire more and more groups of people to take up the charge – movie makers, film festivals, horse trainers, performers, business owners, writers, neighbors and anyone else who can help.  If we can keep doing that, while having fun drinking beer, making new friends and saving some horses, we have achieved our goals!”

Please consider learning more about HERD and becoming involved, either through a direct donation, or by attending one of the festivities during the weekend of the Tryon International Film Festival.  Information is below:

1.  Learn more and donate directly to HERD through their website at http://www.herdrescue.org/ and check out their promotional video!

2.  Register for the KYB Horsemanship Clinic in Tryon at www.herdrescue.org

3.  Buy tickets for the Tryon International Film Festival www.tryoninternationalfilmfestival.com

4.  Join Edge Brewing Equestrian at the Tryon International Equestrian Center for Saturday Night Lights, the HERD film short, and witness KYB’s riveting performance.  Admission is Free!   http://tryon.coth.com/

Edge Brewing Equestrian thanks you! To learn more about Edge Brewing Barcelona and Edge Brewing Equestrian please visit,
http://edgebrewing.com/

Chasin’ For Chalfin Trail Race Raises Critical Funds for Injured Riders
The Chasin’ for Chalfin Race was originally established to help steeplechase jockey, Jake Chalfin, who was severely injured when he fell at the Blue Ridge Fall Races in Berryville, Virginia in 2010.  As a result of his extensive injuries,  Jake was paralyzed from the chest down and has faced significant long-term expenses associated with his medical needs. 

This year’s race is being held on June 24, 2017, at the beautiful Runnymede Sanctuary, in Coatesville, Pennsylvania.  The race has grown over the years and now shares monetary proceeds with other injured individuals riders in need of adaptive equipment, rehabilitation and help with medical costs.

Jake Chalfin, the original beneficiary of the race, sits on the board of Chasin’ For Chalfin, and is very involved in the current organization of this hugely successful event.  In a recent chat with Jake, he discussed the history of the event and who this year’s recipients will be of the fundraising efforts.

“The concept of the event started 4 years ago when my fundraising committee wanted to create an annual event to help offset my continued and life long medical expenses related to paralysis.  The Chasin’ for Chalfin Runnymede Run was born and became part of the annual Trail Creek Series.   Chasin’ for Chalfin is the last race of this 5 race trail series.  

“It has become a wonderful and much beloved community event.  After the first year we decided that we would dedicate a portion of the funds raised to support other disabled athletes or organizations that provide adaptive sporting opportunities.  Last year, we raised money for Kurt Lane, a local young man who was paralyzed in car accident in 2016.  With proceeds from last year’s race, we purchased him a handcycle.”

“This year we would like to include both Lee Lee Jones and Paddy Young as additional beneficiaries of this race.  We hope that by tapping into the two different spheres of the eventing and racing world that we can really grow this event and raise a lot of money for Paddy and Lee Lee.”

Battle of the Barns Challenges Riders To Compete Without Their Horses!

This year’s run is on Saturday, June 24th, and there’s an extra incentive for area equestrians to spend a morning out of the tack.   The race committee has proposed that riders form teams representing their barn, hunt or riding discipline, and battle it out for the best overall average placing in the 5K.  Teams will consist of a minimum of 3 members, and the top 3 teams will receive grand recognition for their race efforts, a swag bag of prizes and XC schooling passes from Boyd and Silva Martin!  The more runners who attend the race, the more money raised for two of the area’s well loved equestrians who are in need of our help.  

Please note that if you’re running in the event with a Battle of the Barns team, you can register online for the race, but you must register your team the morning of the race at the registration table!  There is not a section online to register the Battle of the Barn teams.

For those who don’t plan to run or who can't attend in person, there is an option to be involved as a “virtual runner” by pledging financial support for Lee Lee and Paddy online through the registration process.  Look for the "fundraising only" and the "virtual runners" section on the registration link at https://www.runreg.com/chasinforchalfin

For more information on the history of the event, please visit http://trailcreekseries.org/chasin-for-chalfin/

To register for the race, please visit https://www.runreg.com/chasinforchalfin

Thank you for your support!
Press Inquiries:
Lisa Thomas Mid-Atlantic Equestrian Svcs.
Lisa@midatlanticeqservices.com

Photo credits Lisa Thomas, Tod Marks, Jim Graham