There’s no doubt that the 2014 National Reining Breeders Classic, held April 14-20, was one for the record books. With more than a million dollars paid out and the highest-ever number of entries, it was a world-class event. However, according to Rein In Cancer’s Cheryl Cody and Shorty Koger, the show was a success in another way.
Cheryl Cody explained, “There was well over $9,300 raised for Rein In Cancer at the NRBC this year. We are so very grateful for the generosity of the people in our performance horse industry.”
The various activities at the show that benefited Rein in Cancer included “Paint Your Nails NRBC Blue”, a Silent Auction, Calcutta and general donations, but the biggest fundraiser was the new “Ride With a Ribbon” program.
Exhibitors at the show could choose to Ride with a Ribbon by wearing a cancer awareness ribbon on themselves or their horse during the competition. Then they simply wrote their name and the name of the person they wished to honor with their ride on the Ride With a Ribbon Board displayed at the show.
Koger noted, “Everyone is familiar with the pink ribbons for breast cancer but are often surprised at the different color ribbons for other serious types of cancer. This program helps increase awareness for the different types of cancer while honoring the very special people who have fought or are fighting the disease.”
She continued, “Cheryl came up with the idea after she lost a friend to ovarian cancer. When her friend was incapacitated by the disease and sad because she was unable to attend any events. Cheryl would paint a teal ribbon on her horse’s rear or wear a teal ribbon on her shirt or saddle pad, then send her friend a picture from the competition with a note that said she was there with her – every single step. It meant so much to her friend to feel she was a part of something she could no longer do and it meant so much to Cheryl to remember her at each event.”
People participating in the NRBC could also pledge a percentage of their earnings to Rein In Cancer, although that was not necessary for participation. “The amount of pledges was amazing,” said Cody. “We’re looking forward to doing this again at upcoming shows.”
Ribbons were available free at the Rein In Cancer display and the vast array included:
Pink – Breast Cancer
Teal – Ovarian Cancer
Pearl – Lung Cancer
Purple – Pancreatic Cancer & Leiomyosarcoma
Orange – Leukemia & Kidney
Black – Melanoma
Navy – Colon Cancer
Burgundy – Multiple Myeloma
Grey – Brain Cancer
Blue – Prostate Cancer
Gold – Childhood Cancer & Osteosarcoma
Burgundy & Ivory – Head & Neck Cancer
Lime – Lymphoma
Peach – Uterine Cancer
Teal & White – Cervical Cancer
Yellow – Sarcoma/Bone Cancer & Bladder Cancer
Green – Liver Cancer
Lavender – All Cancers
Periwinkle – Esophageal & Stomach Cancer
Teal/Pink/Blue – Thyroid Cancer
Orchid – Testicular Cancer
Amber – Appendix Cancer
Marigold, Blue & Purple – Bladder Cancer
Zebra Print – Carcinoid Cancer
Rainbow – Adrenocortical carcinoma
Rein In Cancer is a 501-c3 tax-exempt organization that raised funding to create and run the Shirley Bowman Nutrition Center at Oklahoma University’s Stephenson Cancer Institute in Oklahoma City. It currently furnishes direct financial support to cancer patients who are part of the horse industry. With over $1 million raised, founders Shorty Koger, Cheryl (Magoteaux) Cody, and Tracie Anderson credit the generosity of the horse world, through bequests, memorials, promotions and gifts.