Seventeen years ago, Pauline Cook and Peter Pletcher started the Spring Gathering Charity Horseshow.  They had two goals.  One was to show exhibitors and trainers that Texas could put on a top-notch, AA horseshow.  The other was to give back to the community.  And in both respects, the Spring Gathering Charity Horseshow has grown far beyond their wildest dreams.

Over the years, the organizers of the Horseshow have donated the proceeds of the event to a variety of nonprofits.  But in 2011, the event took on a very personal meaning for Peter Pletcher.  His eight-year-old niece, Chloe Chip, had been diagnosed with type 1 diabetes, and Peter wanted the Horseshow to make a difference in Chloe’s life.  And indeed it did.  Between the Fall Hunt Dinner and the Spring Horse Show, the event raised over $30,000 for diabetes research!

But the organizers weren’t satisfied.  Under the direction of committed volunteer leaders, the Horseshow has continued to grow by leaps and bounds each year.  The Horseshow itself, blessed by gorgeous weather and robust attendance, hurdled past all previous fundraising records, generating an extraordinary $115,000 for diabetes research.  Along with Executive Director Molly Naylor, JDRF Ambassadors LuLu Acklestad and Aiden Flores were on hand to represent the chapter.

This incredible result would not have been possible without the energetic efforts of Deitra Robertson and scores of other dedicated volunteers.  JDRF Executive Director Molly Naylor, accepting a check on behalf of the organization, assured all those who participated, that the work they have done will make a very real difference in the lives of those living with type 1 diabetes.  Many, many thanks to the wonderful folks at The Spring Gathering Charity Horseshow!