ACROSS THE INDUSTRY
01/16/09
KERRITS EQUESTRIAN APPAREL DONATES $390,000 TO NARHA
Kerrits Equestrian Apparel recently donated almost $390,000 in riding apparel to the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association. One of the reasons they chose NARHA was due to their broad scope and ability to distribute products both nationally and in Canada to riders who would benefit.
“During times of economic cutbacks and challenges, organizations like NARHA need our support now more than ever,” said Kent. “I’m deeply touched and impressed to see how programs offered by groups like NARHA can affect an entire family, like watching a loved one receive therapy on horseback.”
Kerrits works closely with all aspects of the horse industry, primarily on the wholesale manufacturing side with tack stores around the world, but also with competitors, professional riders, “backyard” riders and non-profit organizations dedicated to making equestrian sports more readily available to the masses.
Kent was inspired to make the contribution to NARHA when she noted a local therapeutic riding program near her home in Hood River, Ore., had to shut down and give 20 horses away because they couldn’t afford to continue feeding them. She was saddened to see the program discontinued because it serviced their rural community so well. Now participants have to travel more than two hours for a therapeutic program similar to what had been in their own back yard.
“Horses do wonderful things for people on many fronts, both physically and emotionally,” Kent added. “We hope to continue this kind of charitable giving in the future.”
