On Saturday, June 24th, Stony Hill Stables in Amagansett will open their doors from 6 to 8 p.m. to welcome the community to the Stony Hill Stables Foundation Benefit. Stony Hill Stables has been owned and operated by the Hotchkiss Family for over five decades, however the Stony Hill Stables Foundation was founded six years ago by second-generation owner Wick Hotchkiss with the help of Maureen Bluedorn.
“As both an active member in the equestrian world and local Amagansett resident, it has been my life-long dream to make the equestrian experience more accessible in our community,” Hotchkiss, who is a USDF Gold medalist and was named 2016 Long Island Dressage Association Rider of the Year, explained.
Bluedorn is a rider at Stony Hill Stables and has an extensive background in launching nonprofit scholarship programs. “I used to work with the National Symphony Orchestra, we’d give out scholarships,” noted Bluedorn, “I thought, Why not here?” The ‘aha moment!'”
The Stony Hill Stables Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created to promote equine sports through riding education and competitive opportunities in the East End Community. The Stony Hill Stable Foundation’s mission is to create essential opportunities for children and adults to connect with the community, grow physically and emotionally as well as benefit from a life enhancing experience. The Stony Hill Stables Foundation is the only stable on Long Island to offer this type of scholarship program.
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Wick Hotchkiss performing Dressage at the Stony Hill Stables Foundation Benefit (Photo:SHSF) |
During the Stony Hill Stables Foundation Benefit, scholarship students as well as Grand Prix riders will entertain attendees with a special Dressage Exhibition by Wick Hotchkiss as well as a Pony Drill Team performance. This family-friendly event will feature a Horseless Horse Show for kids 12 and under. Guests will also enjoy cocktails and light fare, as well as have the chance to meet Decano, who was named the 2016 Horse of the Year.
“The scholarship taught me about responsibility, and hard work, because of Stony Hill and the scholarship program, I put much more effort into everything I do and that’s the only reason why I continued riding and working with horses and I was able to get my own horse,” shared Renny Murphy, a 2014 scholarship recipient.
Applications for the 2017 scholarships are currently being accepted and five scholarships will be awarded annually. Scholarship applications are available online.
Tickets to the Stony Hill Stables Foundation Benefit are $125 for a single ticket and $200 for a couple. Children under 12 are free. Tickets can be purchased in advance online or at the gate.
Stony Hill Stables is located at 268 Town Lane in Amagansett. For more information call 631-267-3203 or visit www.stonyhillstables.com.
