JEEP SADDLES UP WITH A HORSE CALLED TRIGGER

This summer sees Trigger the mechanical horse and the Jeep National Riding Festival saddle up, once more, for what has now become their annual tour of the country.

This year’s Festival will, again, be a huge undertaking to give riding a substantial boost – and there’s plenty in store for everyone! To find out more, come and visit us on Stand M6.2 next to the New Product Gallery, meet Trigger and find out about a major fundraising campaign in association with Arnold Garvey, Editor of Horse & Hound magazine.

Supermodel Jodie Kidd got the Festival underway last year and since then, it has gone from strength to strength, with riding schools across the country getting involved and opening their doors to new recruits. Thirty percent of riding schools that were involved in last year’s Festival reported an increase in enquiries from potential new riders.

Due to popular demand, the Festival has kept some key elements of the campaign in the programme for 2001. Trigger, the festival’s famous mechanical horse, will be touring the UK again during June and July, visiting over 5,000 primary school children with an instructor from a local BHS / ABRS riding school. Not only will children be able to enjoy a fun packed day at school learning more about horses and riding, but teachers can continue to teach the children about horses thanks to the Horse Power Pack, a fantastic equine educational pack that has been specially produced by the Festival and Jeep to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum.

In addition to the work carried out in schools by the Festival team themselves, Arnold Garvey, Editor of Horse & Hound, and holder of an international endurance license, will be undertaking three sponsored rides across the country. With extremely challenging events ahead; ranging from the Tattersall’s ride on Newmarket’s hallowed turf to the rugged scenery of the 200 mile Western Highlands Rob Roy ride, Arnold Garvey hopes to increase the profile of the sport and raise £75,000 for the Festival. This would give an additional 200 schools the chance to meet Trigger, and allow many more children to reap the benefits of time spent in the saddle. To find out more about the sponsored ride and contribute to the ‘Trigger Fund’, please visit Arnold Garvey at stand M6.1, or contact Jenny Sims on (020) 7261 6315.

As well as the school visits, 15 ‘Horsepower’ Days are scheduled to take place at one of the larger riding centres each weekend between April and August. Attractions will include equestrian displays, pony rides, Trigger, rosette making and other children’s activities, together with trade stands. With free admission and free entertainment, the Horsepower Days will provide the perfect day out for adults, families and children alike. A wide range of equestrian displays – from western riding to pony club games and show jumping – will keep the whole family amused, while drivers can enjoy a different form of horse power by pitting their wits against the Jeep off road driving course or simply having towing lessons from the experts.

For more information ring the JNRF hotline on 0870 2411481 or click on:
www.jeep-riding-festival.co.uk