Remember those days when you were a horse crazy kid and you jumped around on your own two feet? In the same mode, JustWorld International hosted its second annual Pony Pals Horseless Horse Show on Feb. 24, during the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, Fla. Children of all ages had the opportunity to test their abilities jumping courses during the fun and entertaining late afternoon event designed to raise funds and awareness for JustWorld International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded to work as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children. Orchestrating a fundraising activity designed for children was apparently, a perfect fit.
A variety of “classes” were offered for the human athletes including the Mini Stirrup, Short Stirrup and the popular Children's Jumper division that attracted 32 entries. Eight teams entered the Costume Relay and 25 individuals tried the Puissance class with Christina Kelly, who had contested the FEI Children's Qualifier earlier in the day, emerging the winner after clearing an impressive height of 4'6". That’s right. She jumped that high without a horse or pony underneath her! And these weren’t your ordinary backyard jumps constructed of overturned picnic benches and flower pots. International course designer Jose 'Pepe' Gamarra designed the courses, using jumps loaned for the event by Beval Saddlery Ltd.
"I was thrilled to see so many children participate in the horseless horse show,” says Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “Besides being a lot of fun for everyone involved, it goes along with our philosophy of ‘kids helping kids.’ This is one way we can empower children in our community to help children who are in need in other parts of the world."
Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world.
For more information visit www.justworldinternational.org.