Friday Standing Ovation from Ovation Riding: Pink 50 Poker Prance

Each week we recognize an individual or organization that is doing good work in the horse world — but today is a little different. An event, Oxford Feed & Lumber’s Pink 50 Poker Prance, is taking the spotlight.

Presented by:

This unique breast cancer awareness fundraiser takes place on Sunday, October 12, 2014 at Fair Hill in Elkton, Maryland. Nancy Johnson kindly supplied us with all the info we need to support this year’s event!

From Nancy:

Oxford Feed & Lumber’s Pink 50 Poker Prance, now in its fifth year, began as one of a number of events within the Pink 50 Campaign that Purina co-sponsored with their dealers nationwide in 2010. The purpose of the Pink 50 Campaign was to reach out to women in rural America and raise awareness about breast cancer while also raising money for research programs. In 2010, more than 50 Purina dealers joined the Pink 50 Campaign through a variety of fundraisers including barbeques, tack swaps, and trail rides.

“It was such a hit the first year and everyone asked us to continue it, so we have,” explain the Drennen brothers, Chris and Larry Jr. “It’s just gotten bigger and better as people bring their friends along for this fun event for a great cause.”

Last year more than 250 riders enjoyed the Poker Prance through scenic Fair Hill. Riders may start the ride any time between 9 a.m. and noon, so it doesn’t get overcrowded. We believe we may top that number in 2014 as not only is it a great cause, but people love the prizes and raffles we have too.

Pink is definitely the color of the day! And we make a contest out of it as well. The top five “most pink” horse and rider teams each win gift cards. It’s amazing how creative the riders, (and horses) have become!

We also have some incredible raffle prizes – all with a pink theme. The oversize raffle baskets can all be seen at Oxford Feed & Lumber prior to the event and tickets can be purchased ahead of time at the store, or on Oct. 12 at Fair Hill. The winning tickets will be drawn at the event, but one need not be present to win.

As in a paper chase, there are various checkpoints along the ride. At each checkpoint, a rider collects a card. At the conclusion of the ride, one has a poker hand and gift cards are awarded to the best five poker hands.

Five raffle winners will also take home five bags of Purina feed. Plus, for the first time, we will be selling Purina feed at a substantial discount at the event — customer pickup only. As riders will have transported their horse, it’s easy to take advantage of this deal and throw some feed in the truck or trailer.

With their $30 donation, participants receive a coveted pink Poker Prance tee-shirt, lunch, and a goodie bag. A new addition this year, a commemorative saddle pad, with embroidered pink logos, is sure to be a hit. A limited number will be available for a suggested additional donation.

All proceeds go to the Pennsylvania and Delaware Breast Cancer Coalitions to advance their breast cancer awareness and research programs.

Riders should register early to be sure a tee-shirt in the proper size is reserved for them. To

register, stop in or call, Oxford Feed & Lumber, 112 Railroad Ave., Oxford, PA 19363, 610-932-8521 or Brandywine Ace Pet & Farm, 1150 Pocopson Rd., West Chester, PA 19382, 610-793-3080. The registration form is also available on our website, www.oxfordfeedlumber.com and Facebook page.

Go Riding!

Many thanks thanks to Ovation Riding for their support of both Horse Nation and individuals and organizations that are doing good work in the horse world. If you know someone who deserves a Standing Ovation, we would love to recognize them in a future post. Email the name of the person or organization along with a message about the good work they do to [email protected]. Photos/videos are always welcome, and include a link to their website if applicable.