At Lake Placid Horse Shows you didn’t need a horse to jump for the cause. JustWorld International (JWI) Ambassador Corinne Sweeney was struck with an idea when she pulled out her family’s set of miniature jumps. Without hesitation, she brought her idea for a Horseless Horse Show to life with a few phone calls and infectious positive energy. After designing and printing her own colorful posters, Sweeney set up a booth brimming with prizes and opened the course to Lake Placid’s children.

Each “entry” cost $20, which served as a direct donation to JWI programs. Jumping swiftly commenced, and the laughter from young exhibitors could be heard over the breeze, arenas away. As parents and onlookers exchanged enthused smiles, many felt compelled to donate even without taking a course around themselves. After all was said and done, the joyful “kids helping kids” initiative raised more than $1,400. A success by all counts, there is no figure which can be placed on the positive change that took root that day at Lake Placid.

Lake Placid Horse Shows / Kind Media

“The Lake Placid Horse Show commends Corinne Sweeney for her wonderful idea of hosting a Horseless Horse Show to benefit JustWorld International, one of our favorite charities,” said Philip Richter, Chairman of the Lake Placid Horse Show Association. “We were thrilled with the response and the turnout, and there is no question that this is something that we will continue to do year after year. Thanks to Corinne, we have a new tradition here at Lake Placid!”

Without a doubt, Sweeney’s exemplary Ambassadorship inspired both her elders and her peers, demonstrating the possibility to identify opportunities and make new connections everyday to support children in need. When sharing the mission, it’s in Sweeney’s own words that her passion can truly be grasped. 

Lake Placid Horse Shows / Kind Media / Corinne Sweeney (Right)

What motivated you to host this initiative at Lake Placid?

“I’ve been going to Lake Placid pretty much since I was born. I knew I wanted to try taking on a project of my own this summer (even if it was small) because JustWorld means so much to me and I think there is still work I can do without helping the team in person. It’s such a fun show with so many kids and a local presence, so I thought it was a perfect place to try something and just see if I could get some exposure for the cause.”

Can you describe the overall energy of the fundraiser?

“I was overwhelmed by the support from the horse show staff and Lake Placid community. They were eager to help in any way they could from the moment I proposed it—from donating prizes to advertising and more. I even had Marty Bauman (the iconic voice of  horse shows and other community events such as the doggie costume contest) announce for us which was awesome. The kids at the show absolutely loved it. Even kids who were showing at the time of the fundraiser kept playing on the jumps for hours after. That is until I told them I really had to clean them up before the storm came in!”

Is this something you plan to repeat next year? 

“I hope so. I was already asked by show managers if I was planning to. I think it was a successful first year, with many people having no idea about it and hopefully it can grow into a more recognized event. We raised approximately $1,400. There were about 10 kids in each division and further donations from parents upon learning of JustWorld’s work. It was a small start that I hope can grow in the future once more people know about it and can look forward to it.”

All images courtesy of Lake Placid Horse Shows / Kind Media

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JustWorld International

Established in 2003, JustWorld was founded to provide equestrians with a way to support carefully vetted education programs for impoverished children around the world. Thousands of JustWorld Ambassadors from more than 40 countries have since committed to “ride for the cause” and assist JustWorld in accomplishing its mission to help build brighter futures for these children and their communities. Equestrian-based companies and events worldwide support JustWorld’s efforts, and the governing body of the global equestrian sport, the FEI, has endorsed JustWorld as its official charity partner. In 2022, JustWorld is helping improve the lives of nearly 10,000 impoverished children around the globe daily.

To donate, become an Ambassador, or learn more about JustWorld, please visit www.justworldinternational.org or @justworldinternational on Facebook and Instagram.

JustWorld International is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization in the United States and tax-deductible donations are accepted in the United States. JustWorld International has no political or religious affiliation.