36 / Sport and Trail Magazine
RAISING FUNDS FOR THE FLORIDA SHERIFF'S BOYS RANCH
Cyndie Pittman's journey of horsemanship began at age 50 with the purchase of her first horse, an Appaloosa named Hawk. Since then, she has studied dressage, jumping, Clinton Anderson, Parelli Natural Horsemanship and participated in many horsemanship clinics. Then came competitive trail riding; competing, and ultimately hosting Equine Trail Sports events.
Equine Trail Sports Played a Valuable Role in Helping us Raise Funds
With Equine Trail Sports (ETS) I had the opportunity to host events at some great venues in Florida; Taylor County Horseman's Arena, Long Branch Rest & Ride and the Florida Sheriff Boy's Ranch where we held four weekend events.
ETS provides their ride hosts with the option of adding a charity fund to registration fees. The hardest part of hosting for me, was choosing one 501c3 to benefit from my ETS events because I realize they ALL need funding support. I really enjoy helping the 501c3s. While all have been special and very rewarding to work with, I think the most rewarding for me is the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch (FSBR), in Live Oak, Florida.
The Sheriffs Youth Ranches were founded in 1957 and have helped 145,000 at risk children and families in Florida. Youth must interview to be accepted into the programs. They must prove they want to be there. When they graduate they go on to colleges, universities or good paying jobs. If graduates go on to higher education, they are assisted by the Ranch. The faculty are dedicated to these individuals. It takes a very special type of person to help these kids and I am very proud to have been associated with them and to have been allowed to use their wonderful facility to help.
Cyndie with her horse, Hawk, and competitive trail judge, Lucas Albert. Photo by Smooch Photography
Tessa Nicolet and Ridge