Show for Cause, Ride for Curor Cause, Ride for Cure
Breast cancer is a familiar cause of heartache for many who have experienced it or
have known someone fi ghting the battle. In the United States, one in eight women will develop breast cancer during her lifetime. However, there is hope. In 2011 alone, there were more than 2.6 million breast cancer survivors in the U.S. Pat Artimovich is a breast cancer survivor and also a former Potomac Valley Dressage As- sociation board member. In 2003, she decided to combine fi ghting breast cancer and her love of dressage. Pat wanted to spark awareness in the community about breast cancer and the alternative treatments women have today in hopes of raising money for programs at John Hopkins Avon Foun- dation Breast Center. She also wanted to educate the commu- nity about the sport of dressage, to dimin- ish the stereotype that follows dressage rid- ers. From this came the PVDA Ride for Life, a dressage show to benefi t breast can- cer research and sup- port services—a show that touches the lives of survivors and horse lovers alike, as well as raising funds and awareness. PVDA’s 9th Annual Ride For Life was held at the Prince George’s Equestrian Center on June 23 and 24 and was undoubtedly a success, as it has been in recent years. Raising nearly $75,000 to benefi t the Johns Hopkins Avon Founda- tion Breast Center, sponsors, riders, horses, and volunteers participated in this U.S. Dressage Federation-recognized show for a cause, while exhibiting excellent horsemanship. At the two-day show beginning on Satur-
day, June 23, visitors browsed a silent auction and vendors in the morning. Pony rides, magic
shows, face painting, and a small crafts area served as entertainment for children through- out the day. At night, spectators delighted in an outstanding “Survivor” Gala, including perfor- mances by In- ternational and Olympic riders. T ese
riders Competitor Remarks Donation Drivers
displayed elo- quent moves on horseback with elaborate cos- tumes and mu- sic. T is event, T e Dancing Horse Chal- lenge, sold a record number of tickets, which contributed to the overall donation made to John Hopkins.
Dancing Horses
Bent Jensen and Orlando won the Peoples Choice Award at the Dancing Horse Challege for the second year in a row.
“T e Dancing Horse Challenge and Gala events are open to the community as a whole. T e Dancing Horse Challenge is an amazing show of horsemanship crossing multiple equestrian disciplines and is a de- light to watch for both horse people and non-
Cherie Chauvin and Katchi Kapshi were the High Pledge winners for the Open division.
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horse people alike,” said Meridith Hurd, head of marketing and advertising for the show. T e Peoples Choice Award Winner of 2012, Bent Jensen, was also the winner in 2011. Bent, an upper-level dressage rider in both Europe and the U.S., competed as an Olympic member on the Danish team in Barcelo- na. He also rides at other breast cancer charity events to show his sup- port for combating this life-threatening disease. Bent entered the arena in an outfi t imitating Redfoo, a member of electropop duo LMFAO (Lovers My Friends and Others). His horse, Van- essa Swartz’s Orlando (Sandy Spring), had on a zebra print saddle pad as the popular hit, “Sexy and I Know It,” blasted throughout the arena. T e comical yet elegant freestyle performance displayed tradi- tional dressage movements and creativity.
T e following riders brought in the most donations for the 2012 Ride for Life
Junior/Young Rider: Victoria Ridgeway Open: Cherie Chauvin
Adult Amateur: Jeannette Bair
Phantom (rider did not actually compete but still raised funds): Jessica Katz
Riders put their game face on despite the heat for both days of competition. However, this year the PVDA made some changes in order to accommodate horse and rider. T e new covered arena housed two rings and helped keep the sun and heat out, while the improved foot- ing in some warm-up areas allowed more
comfort for horse and preparation for rider. “I don’t think I’ve ever seen the PG Eq Center decorated so nicely,” fi rst-time competitor Val- erie Vizcarrondo said. Valerie, an upper-level event rider, competed
in classical dressage for the fi rst time at Ride for Life. “I think that more upper level eventers should compete at dressage shows,” she said. Valerie competed on Beall Spring Baccarat in the First Level Test 2 and fi nished with a score of 72.838%. She also took fi rst place in the First Level Test 3 with a score of 74.194%. Valerie’s desire to compete in Ride for Life sprang from a personal matter. “My mother is a survivor of breast cancer, and we have quite the history, un- fortunately, in my family. I am happy to be in- volved in any eff ort that works towards a cure,” she stated. Susan Graham White of Port Republic has been a PVDA member for 20 years and has participated in every Ride For Life except one since its creation in 2004. Susan competed in Fourth Level Test 1 and 2 where she earned two fi rsts, one sec- ond and a fourth on her horse Revelle. When asked about ways to increase the amount of donations,
Su-
Susan Graham White and Revelle in the warm- up arena before competing at Fourth Level
san suggested expanding the fund-raising and advertising departments.
“T e Gala should be more publicized because it is so appealing,” she suggested. Pat agrees with this idea. “Financially, our goal is to make this event a Maryland tradition that raises about $100,000 per year for the Breast continued...
SEPTEMBER 2012 | THE EQUIERY | 19
by Jenna Beal
853101-120912
Onawa Rock Photography
Beth Collier
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