Gabriella Salick Named Executive Director of West Coast Active Riders

San Diego, CA – July 26, 2004 – “I am so excited to be the new Executive Director of West Coast Active Riders!” enthused Gabriella Salick, who took over the office in April 2004. West Coast Active Riders (WCAR) is a California-based non-profit organization committed to promoting excellence in the sport of show jumping within the community of West Coast equestrians. “As a born-and-raised California girl myself, I followed the development and progress of WCAR from its inception in 1999, admiring from afar the hard work of such dynamic personalities as Richard Spooner, Will Simpson and Dale Harvey,” Salick noted. “I was honored and thrilled to be able to step into Dale’s shoes this Spring as the newest executive addition to West Coast Active Riders. It’s a job that I take very seriously and a program in which I feel privileged to participate.”

West Coast Active Riders is an organization designed to support and encourage show jumping and the sport’s competitors on a local, national and international level. The group is actively committed to providing as much funding as it can to as many riders as possible in an effort to bridge the gap between competitive experience and funding restrictions.

In its inaugural year, 1999, with the support of other show jumping enthusiasts, West Coast Active Riders was able to fund a group of four top Grand Prix riders to compete internationally representing the United States. In the years to follow, WCAR sent three more winning teams on European Tours, including the 2003 Tour – all excellent preparation for championship level international competitions such as the Olympics, Pan American Games, and World Equestrian Games.

In 2004, through its Meritorious Rider Scholarship Program, WCAR awarded competitive stipends of $3,000 each to Tiffany Hickey and Mimi Collins – two young ladies who exemplify the ideals of horsemanship and dedication indicative of future show jumping winners. The young women also represent academic achievement at the highest level.

Most recently, WCAR enjoyed an extremely successful tour in Spruce Meadows, Calgary, where 16 selected WCAR Team Members received travel stipends to ship their horses to Canada and compete in the Spruce Meadows Prix De Nations Competition. “This was a terrific experience for all of these riders,” said Salick. The entire WCAR membership is proud of their accomplishments!”

As a non-profit organization, West Coast Active Riders relies strongly on the generosity of local sponsors and members. “With our membership increasing every year, and a new E-Letter that reaches over 400 individuals every week, we are becoming stronger and more financially stable every year,” explained Salick. “However, we welcome the interest, friendship and support of all of our friends in the show jumping community, and we encourage everyone to become a part of our organization, which is quickly becoming one of the most powerful and efficient riders’ groups in the United States.”

For more information about West Coast Active Riders, visit the organization’s website at www.westcoastactiveriders.com. For information on tours, clinics, fundraisers and/or sponsorship opportunities, contact: WCAR, 3830 Valley Center Drive #705 PMB 805, San Diego, CA 92130. You may also request information via fax (805) 373-1092 or email at info@westcoastactiveriders.com

Photo courtesy of WCAR