Joyride EQ’s Paper Trail Is Traverse City Horse Show’s First Equine Ambassador

Paper Trail with Elodie Watrous at the Traverse City Horse Shows. Photo Meg Gehron

Traverse City, MI - July 22, 2024 - Joyride EQ Showjumping is thrilled to participate in the Equus Equine Ambassador Program through the Traverse City HOres Shows (TCHS), directly assisting the Equus Foundation in protecting America’s horses by providing a safe haven for aged equines, at-risk equines, and equines in transition. The Equus Foundation's programs provide financial support and education for the public on the value of horses in our lives, inspiring the next generation of equine advocates.

The Traverse City Horse Shows' Equine Ambassadors Program allows competitors to demonstrate athletic talent, horse welfare, and philanthropic power. Equine Ambassadors are sport horses whose riders and/or owners pledge a portion of their winnings during the circuit to help ensure that all horses are safe, healthy, and treated with dignity as partners.

“Paper Trail is the perfect horse to inspire humans to love horses. His storybook career has shown just what beautiful work we can accomplish together,” said Sharon Watrous of Joyride EQ. “He gives 150% everywhere he goes and he and Elodie [Watrous] have a bond that just works. We couldn't pass up the opportunity to contribute to a foundation like Equus to help these magnificent animals for all they do for us."

Elodie and Paper Trail have a special bond that allows them to thrive in the show ring. Photo Meg Gehron.

Elodie and Paper Trail have developed a special trust that allows them to thrive in the show ring. The Equius Foundation believes that a human-horse model offers boundless opportunities for horses to contribute positively to the cognitive, physical, emotional, and social well-being of all people.

Paper Trail isn’t the only horse inspiring others for Joyride. Another mount for Elodie, Diamant Blue PS, recently took home the win in the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal, qualifying him to go head-to-head with top equitation partnerships in the Dudley B. Smith Equitation Championship during week IV of the Great Lakes Equestrian Festival (GLEF). The pair is also qualified for the Dover Saddlery/USEF Hunter Seat Medal Finals at the Pennsylvania National Horse Show later this year!

Elodie and Diamant Blue PS will compete in the Dudley B. Smith Equitation Championship. Photo Meg Gehron.

“To see Diamant Blue qualify for the Dudley B. Smith Equitation Championship is the icing on the cake!” added Sharon, “Dudley Smith was such a generous philanthropist in the Michigan area and a significant supporter in the equestrian world, we are honored to take part!”

Joyride will continue competition at TCHS during week IV, July 24-28, 2024.

Learn more about the TCHS Equine Ambassador Program and the Dudley Smith Equitation Championship at traversecityhorseshows.com.

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