The Colorado Horse Park is taking leaps and bounds to honor American service men and women on Saturday July 21, 2012 with its second annual Military Appreciation Day. The enthusiastic staff and volunteers of the international equestrian complex, along with horse show competitors and spectators, will offer their respect and entertain veterans and current military members with a fun-filled day of festivities.
“We wanted to offer our tribute to military men and women and their families. They deserve to be recognized and rewarded for their service. At the Colorado Horse Park, we are pleased to serve the community and our service members as they have served us for years,” commented Helen Krieble, CEO and President of CHP.
Families can join us for pony rides, a jumping competition, face painting and an obstacle course, as well as snacks and refreshments, all compliments of CHP. The festivities begin at 3:00 p.m. so come join the fun.
Military Appreciation Day is capped by the last and most exciting event of the six-week circuit of horse shows at CHP– the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix. The first horse on course is at 4:30.
Show jumping is an Olympic and World Cup equestrian sport, where horses and their riders negotiate an intricate course of obstacles five feet tall. Only the most impressive horses and riders will complete the entire course without knocking down a single fence. These pairs are then entered into a jump-off, where they compete on a shortened course for the blue ribbon and prize money. The event is bound to be a nail-biter for everyone participating and observing. Throughout the summer CHP has been hosting some of the best horses and riders in North America, with more than $1,000,000 in cash and prizes.
“An afternoon of excitement and relaxation is a small thing to give in appreciation to our service men and women, but we are honored to have them as our guests for the second year in a row,” continued Krieble.
In addition to the festivities of Military Appreciation Day and the $50,000 Parker Adventist Hospital Grand Prix, a helmet fitting hosted by the hospital and Parker Hospital Foundation takes place 2:30-4:30. Children and adults can stop by CHP to receive a free equestrian helmet while supplies last.
