West Virginia’s Equestrian Community Fulfills Community Promise With Generous Donation

Horse riding is a safe space for thousands around the world, which makes it more than a sport. The equestrian world acts as a unifying force, bringing together countless individuals and communities.

The force has deeply impacted the lives of two individuals, Jason Anderson and Jay Shepherd, two passionate horse lovers. This very love, in turn, multiplied and brought together West Virginia’s equestrian community with a generous donation amount for two noble charities.

Jason Anderson and Jay Shepherd’s unique equestrian concept

In 2023, Jason Anderson and Jay Shepherd embarked on a philanthropic journey by establishing Ivy Row Farm Horse Shows in Martinsburg, West Virginia, according to the Journal. In their inaugural year, the two horse lovers and passionate equestrian enthusiasts were unsure if they could cover operating expenses. However, fueled by the strength of their community, they managed to make two donations to local nonprofits with the fruit of their passion and noble mission.

Together, they came up with the exciting concept of carefully planning different classes for an intriguing horse show that included Sportsmanship, Over Fences, Hunter Under Saddle, Western Pleasure, Ranch Pleasure, and even Miniature Horse. The process was slow initially, but the passion surging in their hearts led them to secure Henry Arena at Poor House Farm Park for hosting the shows.  After meticulous planning, they also created a schedule and obtained sponsorships to support their events, and soon, by the end of a successful first year, they made significant donations to two nonprofits to support.

 The donations of Ivy Row Farm House Shows to noble charities

Jason Anderson and Jay Shepherd knew from the get-go that even though they “weren’t sure if we would even make enough to cover our expenses, but we knew we still wanted to donate regardless.” In a heartening twist of fate, Ivy Row Farm House Shows exceeded expectations, raising a total of $850 after three shows. The Horse with Hearts is a nonprofit organization aimed at providing equine therapy and horse assistance programs for individuals with special needs in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle since 2005. They aim to build an indoor facility for year-round programs that will help the community all year.

Jason Anderson, a child of deaf adults, intimately understands the challenges faced by the deaf and hard of hearing in daily life; this in turn has fostered a connection with the next organization, EPDA. The Eastern Panhandle Deaf Alliance (EDPA) offers services to the deaf and individuals with hearing disabilities. EPDA also provides services to groups like American Sign Language Learning, offering group support, communication assistance, and services at social gatherings. And also provide references for individuals expanding their services and helping countless people in need, which stood out for Anderson.

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Despite initial uncertainties, Ivy Row Farm Horse Shows raised $850 in their first year, with $315 donated to Horses with Hearts and $535 to EPDA. Their noble efforts were not only appreciated by the community, but now equestrian enthusiasts wait in anticipation as the organizers are already planning to host the Ivy Row Farm Horse Shows next year.

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