Ellen Toon of JT Farm to Donate "In Disguise" WCHR Amateur-Owner Trainer Award at Capital Challenge Horse Show
Equestrian News Release

South Salem, NY - August 4, 2008 - Ellen Toon of JT Farm, based in South Salem, NY, and Wellington, FL, will donate a new perpetual trophy in honor of her famous hunter, "In Disguise," this year at the Capital Challenge Horse Show. The In Disguise WCHR Amateur-Owner Trainer Award will be donated to the American Hunter Jumper Foundation (AHJF) by Ellen Toon. The show is held at the Prince George Equestrian Center in Upper Marlboro, MD, on September 27 to October 5, 2008.

Toon and In Disguise had a very impressive career in the Amateur-Owner Hunter division, including tricolors at the National Horse Show, the Devon Horse Show, the Hampton Classic, and the Winter Equestrian Festival, where they were circuit champions in 2006. Her success came with the help of her trainers, Jimmy Toon and Rodney Bross.

Toon will donate a new trophy, jacket, and a cash prize to the trainer of the winning horse in the World Championship Hunter Rider (WCHR) Amateur-Owner Hunter Challenge, a class that Toon and In Disguise won in 2004. "I wanted to give something back to the trainers because they deserve a trophy and recognition for their contributions to the success of our horses," Toon said. "I enjoy riding in the challenge class, and my trainers play a big part in that."

AHJF Executive Director Michele Perla stated, "The intent of the award is to recognize the horse and at the same time, acknowledge the importance of the trainer in that relationship. It was a natural choice for Ellen since she shows in this division."

Toon hopes that other amateur hunter riders will want to contribute to the cash prize for the award. "I give a lot of credit to my trainer, and I know a lot of the riders that I compete with do too," she said.

Perla added, "The intent is to grow camaraderie in the Amateur-Owner division in support of the idea. The money raised will go towards the award and a portion will be donated to support the AHJF Emergency Relief Fund." The AHJF Emergency Relief Fund provides compassion, hope, and support to equestrians in the industry that deal with emergency situations.

Contributions will be tax-deductible and any amount is appreciated. The names of all contributors will be on a congratulatory card given to the winning trainer. Anyone that is interested in donating money to go towards the trainer's prize can contact Ellen Toon by emailing to elliet717@aol.com or calling 914-649-6522.

For more information on JT Farm, please visit http://www.jtfarm.com.



Photo Credit: Ellen Toon and In Disguise, and Ellen Toon with trainers Jimmy Toon and Rodney Bross. Photo (C) 2008 Randi Muster. This photo may be used free of charge only in relation to this press release.