Trotting for Charity

Who wouldn’t love a horse named “Drop it Like it’s Hot” or “I Shot the Sheriff”? These two horses, along with about 350 others from across the country, took part in the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show this week where they gracefully walked, cantered and trotted for a good cause.

While I don’t know much about horse showmanship, I could certainly appreciate the grace that both the horses and the riders displayed. And the excitement and passion the spectators from the various stables showed was contagious. What an atmosphere!

“Everyone is here because of a love for the equine horse,” said Judy McManama, secretary for the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show. “There’s a real partnership between horse and driver. In no other sport do you deal with another entity that has its good days and bad days just like the rider. It’s wonderful to watch when that connection comes together.”

There are so many things that make this special. McManama said this is a great event because it supports the horse industry, brings business to Indianapolis and benefits a good charity.

The local nonprofit donates its proceeds to Indiana Children’s Wish Fund, and they grant wishes to Indiana children between the ages of 3 and 18 who suffer from life-threatening illnesses. McManama said that over the past 15 years, the Indianapolis Charity Horse Show has donated between $150,000 and $200,000 to the Wish Fund.

The event continues through today with a silent auction and free shows at 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Come meet “Drop it Like it’s Hot” for yourself!

The horse named “I Shot the Sheriff” does a victory lap after winning the Class 21 competition for Saddlebred Country Pleasure Driving. About 350 horses and their riders compete in the three-day show.