Community Aid and Relief Equitation Challenge

AAHJA is very pleased to announce the return of the CARE Challenge to the 2012 show schedule.

The Community Aid and Relief Equitation Challenge, or CARE Challenge, will be a flat equitation class open to Junior and Amateur riders of all levels. There will be two sections offered: CARE Challenge I, for riders in Crossrail through Green Rider Divisions, (riders must be able to canter in a group); and the CARE Challenge II, for riders in the divisions above Green Rider.  Class placement in the day’s show schedule will be determined by show managers, though it is expected that the classes will run close to the division groups.  All riders in these classes will compete at the walk, trot and canter:  top riders will be asked to perform equitation tests appropriate for the section.  (See AAHJA list of Appropriate Equitation Tests.)  Points will be kept for qualification for a Finals CARE Challenge to be held at the AAHJA Finals in October.

Exciting as this is, we are most excited about the Aid and Relief aspect of the class. As many of you know, our community has several groups that AAHJA has supported with charitable donations throughout the years. These groups have continuing need, and we would like to support them as much as possible. Proceeds from the CARE Challenge will be pooled into a special fund that we will be able to draw from to support our friends. There will be a suggested entry fee for the class, $15, though riders and their families will be encouraged to set their own fee. Riders can donate more or less than the suggested entry fee at any show. In addition, there will be a donations jar at each show so that family members and spectators can add to the CARE Challenge proceeds.

2011 CARE Funds  have been donated to two charities:  the Georgia Equine Rescue League (http://www.gerlltd.org/) and the Buddy Christian Family Fund. CARE stands for Community Action and Relief Equitation, and is the name of the class we established in 2011 to raise money for AAHJA's charitable interests.  The general membership suggested several local charities for our funds, and the Board decided to divide the money and contribute to these two very worthy causes.  We look forward to continued participation in the CARE classes in 2012 so that we can continue to support our community.