Following the success of the 100 Day Horse Challenge, Time to Ride developed a new "Event Grant Program" to support the horse industry’s efforts to engage new enthusiasts with horses. Stables, businesses, and organizations who were registered for the 100 day challenge in 2014 are invited to apply for a grant worth up to $500 to offset the cost of a newcomer-friendly event.

During the challenge, hosts held an average of six to seven events each, reaching over 25,000 newcomers. Fun, safe, and accessible events from stable open houses and demonstrations, to stick-horse races and “pony painting,” resulted in 92% of newcomers expressing an interest in returning to the host stable.

“We discovered that these entry-level events really do encourage horse-interested families to take the next steps towards being involved in horse activities,” stated Patti Colbert, Time to Ride spokeswoman. “The grant program gives these hardworking hosts support to continue their outreach efforts in a non-competitive format.”

Hosts who focused their time and effort on newcomer outreach events are reaping the rewards. Corvin Performance Horses, in Canyon, Texas, reported six new lesson students who signed up the week after attending a challenge event