PVDA Ride for LifeTM Founded in 2004
In 2004, PVDA member and breast cancer survivor Pat Artimovich approached PVDA's Board of Directors to see if they would be interested in hosting a breast cancer benefit show for the Johns Hopkins Breast Center. The board agreed, and the PVDA Ride for Life was born. For Pat, the Ride for Life was a way she could unite her love of horses and her commitment to fighting breast cancer.
PVDA's one day licensed (recognized) show held at Taylor Made Farm was deemed the Ride for Life show. Riders collected pledges from friends, family, coworkers, and others. Sponsors donated goods and money for the show and fundraisers. An army of volunteers from PVDA and Hopkins was organized to run the show and to help collect and count donations generated by riders. The 2004 and 2005 shows generated $3,307 and $3,337 respectfully.
June 9, 2006, was a cold and blustery day, with the heavens threatening at every moment to open up and poor buckets on the beautifully coifed riders. Although riders and volunteers alike were cold, there was an energy that warmed everyone's hearts and brought smiles and tears. The Ride for Life grew, in that moment, into a horse show and a fund raising event that would leave its mark for a long, long time. The 2006 show exceeded all expectations, generating over $33,000, and providing a net 2006 donation of $30,782 the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Center!
After the success of 2006, the PVDA realized the Ride for Life was growing in success and popularity. Therefore, for 2007, the Board of Directors approved a two-day four-ring show and benefit at the Prince George's Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, Maryland. The weather was sunny, the horses were superb, and the riders were smiling due to great dressage rides and the knowledge they were riding for a good cause. The 2007 Ride for Life also introduced the Saturday evening Gala Dinner and the Dancing Horse Challenge, an evening show and exhibition in the Show Place Arena that introduced the general public to the Ride for Life, the excitement of dressage, and the joy of riding and donating to benefit breast cancer research. This successful 2007 Ride for Life generated $45,000 for the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Center!
The 2008 PVDA Ride for Life will be even grander! It will be June 28-29, 2008. The 2008 goal is to raise at least $70,000 for the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Center. Come join us in the fun and excitement while contributing to a great cause.