Riding For Reading, a non-profit organization (501 (c)3) dedicated to promoting reading, literacy and education through equestrian sports and activities, is expanding its program in 2007. In addition to the Riding For Reading Benefit Show, Sept. 3 at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center, six other shows throughout the country will host the Riding For Reading Class.
Riders from first grade through 12th grade compete in the Riding For Reading Class and, based on how they place, their schools receive donations from Riding For Reading to purchase library materials. Last year, 50 riders competed in the inaugural class in Los Angeles.
“We received some excellent applications,” says Marnye Langer, president of Riding For Reading. “The board is pleased to have some top A rated shows, two local shows, and a spectacular youth dressage event.” The 2007 Riding For Reading Host Shows are:
• Woodside Spring Classic (California) on
May 1-4
• Ox Ridge Charity Horse Show (Connecticut)
on June 20-24
• Country Classic (Oregon) on July 11-15
• Youth 4 Dressage Festival (New York)
on Aug. 20-26
• Riding For Reading Benefit Show (California) on Sept. 3
• Stonewall Farms (New York) Sept. 30
• Ke’e Road Stables (Hawaii) Oct. 13
Thanks to grants received from the Equus Foundation and the United States Hunter Jumper Association, Riding For Reading is providing grants to each of the host shows. However, each show is also providing funds for the Riding For Reading Class. All of the funds will be donated to school libraries on behalf of the riders competing in the Riding For Reading Classes.
D.A. Davidson, an investment firm, is sponsoring the Riding For Reading Class at the Country Classic. “We are elated to have the opportunity to provide this class,” says show manager Shelley Campf. “Your efforts to teach the youth of today about philanthropy in this small way are to be applauded.”

Other host shows were equally enthusiastic.
Riding For Reading’s programs reach across disciplines and various breeds. In 2007 one of the host events will be the Youth Dressage Festival. “I was very interested when I learned about this class,” says Lendon Gray. “I felt it was a perfect match for the Youth Dressage Festival because of its emphasis on education. Part of the mission of our parent organization Dressage4Kids, Inc. is to encourage youth riders to constantly expand their knowledge of all aspects of riding and horse care, and to acquire that knowledge through reading as much as through hands-on experience.”
“I also loved the idea that our riders would have another opportunity to be successful with ponies and horses that might not yet be stars in the dressage arena. Shouldn’t every horse be able to work in a group on a long rein at walk, trot, and canter demonstrating relaxation, basic obedience, and a soft acceptance of the bit?”
At its inaugural event in Los Angeles last September, 50 riders competed in the class and 46 unique schools received donations to their libraries. Riding For Reading distributed over $5,000 to schools throughout Los Angeles. Many riders were recognized by their schools for their riding accomplishments.
“It is rare and impressive that an organization such as yours would decide to actively support the educational needs of its participants, as well as their equestrian needs. We plan to honor Chelsea James by purchasing equestrian related books with this grant,” wrote participating school Newbury Park High.
More than 20,000 students benefited from improved library materials because of the Los Angeles Riding For Reading Class.
In addition to the grants and donations received, Riding For Reading welcomes and thanks its four major national sponsors: Hodges Badge Company, Primedia Publishing, LEG Up News, and Impression Design.