Two Additional Lesson Horse Grants Awarded
Following ESC Foundation’s initial sponsorship of two lesson horses for DeVote Performance Horses in Winston Salem, NC and Trinity Farm in Clayton, IN, a gracious sponsor came forward to allow for two more lesson programs to be assisted.
Suzanne Schnetzler has operated Rocking S Stables for over 20 years in Helena, Alabama. She and one assistant instructor teach an average of 75 students a week, with a growing Beginner rider segment. Her “babysitter” mount has been diagnosed with ringbone and will soon be retired at the farm. This grant will assist Suzanne in replacing him so that she can continue to introduce new people to the world of horseback riding.
Jennifer King of Sovereign Stables in Dayton, Minnesota is our fourth and final lesson horse grant recipient this year. She’s been in the business for 18 years, with her current lesson program operating for 8 years. She, along with a couple part-time assistants, teach 50+ lessons a week, with many of those being adult riders returning to horseback riding. Her program has generated 14 new American Saddlebred owners in the past 4 years, yet she feels like she is always turning business away due to the need for another intermediate lesson horse. We can fix that.
The horses to fill these vacancies will be sourced by the Instructors from approved rescue organizations and the adoption and transportation fees paid by Equine Sports Council Foundation. ESCF is the educational non-profit 501(c)(3) organization of ESC. The ESC Foundation’s mission is to educate, raise awareness, and advocate for the trotting breed show horse industry. The Foundation is funded by donations from ESC Corporation and private individuals.
“We are thrilled to offer this program, which supports grassroots lesson programs AND rescue organizations,” said Jackie Hale. If you are interested in learning more about ESC Foundation or being a co-sponsor with naming rights for this program in 2027, call 1-855-Equine1 (855-378-4631) or email info@equinesportscouncil.org.
