Saddle Up America, a national initiative to encourage more people to get involved with horses and riding, will coordinate Open House events beginning in May 2000 and continuing throughout the year, announced the Horse Industry Alliance (HIA), the organizer of Saddle Up America.

“The response from lesson barns, breeding farms, dude ranches, camps, schools, and other riding establishments across North America has been overwhelming,” said HIA Executive Director Larry Anton. “Originally planned for May only, many facilities want to host Open Houses at other times of year, so we’re extending the program.”

Since the program, sponsored by Wrangler and Pfizer Animal Health was announced in February, facilities from 44 states and Canada have signed up to host Open Houses in their regions. Each open house visitor receives a Saddle Up America starter kit, which includes information on buying a horse, finding an instructor and what to wear while riding. HIA provides each open house host with an Open House Host Kit, which includes a sample news release for local distribution, ad slicks for local placement, pre-recorded radio advertising, tips on activities, sign-up cards that will survey visitors and banners.

The Horse Industry Alliance is a not-for-profit organization of 200+ equine industry businesses and associations whose collective mission is to stimulate growth in the equine industry from the grass roots level through education, awareness, and outreach programs aimed at encouraging participation in horse activities