Cocktail Reception Held At Apple Wood Farm In Ocala To Benefit ASPCA Equine Fund
Equestrian News Release
Ocala, FL- March 12, 2006- The gently sloping hills of Apple Wood Farm in Ocala, Florida were the setting for an elegant cocktail reception held Thursday evening, March 9, 2006, to benefit the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Equine Fund. The event was jointly hosted by Penelope Ayres of Apple Wood Farm, Bill Schaub of Over the Hill Farm and Sandy Lobel of Ravens Wood Farm. Guests of honor from the ASPCA were Mr. Edwin Sayres, President and CEO, and Mr. Matthew Bershadker, Vice President of Development.
Over 150 HITS Ocala riders, trainers and other guests enjoyed delicious appetizers, sushi and a divine dessert spread, as well as an open bar. The dance floor and food were set up under a chandeliered tent and the weather cooperated by being quite balmy. Candles floated in the pool and live music was provided by the Rudy Turner band. After enjoying food and drink, some of the guests even tried out the dance floor. It was a chance to relax and socialize even though almost all the conversation still revolved around horses and riding.
The annual end-of-circuit party began six years ago just to celebrate the final week of the Ocala shows. But last year, Bill Schaub asked the two other hosts if they would agree to have the party be a fund raiser for the Equestrian Aids Foundation. They agreed with the proviso that this year ASPCA would be the recipient. Penelope Ayres is a board member of the ASPCA Equine Fund and she felt that this would be something the HITS Ocala attendees would be willing to support.
In his remarks to the guests, Mr. Sayres of the ASPCA said, “Penelope brings us fabulous leadership on equine issues. We are honored to have her on our board. With her leadership, we have been able to greatly advance the welfare of horses.” He also spoke of the need to begin to tie the ASPCA Maclay Medal, which began in 1933, closer to the ASPCA again. He wants the participants in the Maclay to truly understand all it takes to care for a horse, from cleaning out a stall to grooming to riding to the financial aspects. He also spoke of the need to bring knowledgeable people, giving insight and leadership from the horse world, into the ASPCA.
Sandy Lobel, co-host of the evening, said, “This is the perfect opportunity for people who love animals. It raises awareness and generates thoughtfulness, an idea that something needs to be done. Sometimes horse show people need something to band them together and this is a good cause.”
The ASPCA Equine Fund is devoted to promoting humane care and respect for horses. Through grant support of horse shelters, sanctuaries, and rescue groups, they ensure a better life for hundreds of domestic, wild, and Premarin-industry horses every year. Through legislative outreach, they support measures to protect the health, safety and welfare of horses from New York City’s carriage horses to wild horses on federal lands. And through public outreach, they provide horse owners, families and children with educational materials that help them to better care for their horses and to foster their love and respect for these magnificent animals.
For more information on the ASPCA Equine Fund, please contact: Matthew Bershadker, Vice President of Development, mattb@aspca.org or go to http://www.aspca.org
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