The JustWorld International Horseless Horse Show took place on August 29 during the Hampton Classic Horse Show in Bridgehampton, NY. Photo Credit - Alison Hartwell

September 7, 2008 – Bridgehampton, New York – For the second year, JustWorld International partnered with the CSI4*-W Hampton Classic Horse Show held August 24 to 31, 2008, in Bridgehampton, NY, and raised over $30,000 for the non-profit organization.

Based on last year’s success when JustWorld’s work with underprivileged children in developing nations was highlighted during one of the most prestigious equestrian competitions in the United States, the 2008 Hampton Classic Horse Show once again featured several JustWorld fundraising and awareness events.

The Horseless Horse Show, presented by Sam Edelman Shoes who also donated a percentage of all sales from its Hampton Classic booth, saw more than 150 children jumping human-sized obstacles on Friday, August 29. With various classes offered and ribbons and prizes distributed to the top ten finishers in each division, there was something for everyone.

All classes were held in the Main Arena including the Mini-Stirrup Jumpers, the BluHorse Clothing Short Stirrup Jumpers, the Children’s Jumpers, the Sam Edelman Shoes Grand Prix, and the Antares Pair Relay Jumpers. The Spy Coast Farm Four-Bar High Jump competition saw the winner successfully clear 4’6”.

Almost 35 JustWorld Ambassadors and many of their family members, most wearing JustWorld signature clothing, volunteered to help organize the fundraising events. With jobs ranging from judging, running the in-gate, supervising the schooling area, acting as jump crew, announcing, and running the silent auction, all the Rider Ambassadors helped to make the Horseless Horse Show a huge success for JustWorld.

Also on August 29, the JustWorld Silent Auction raised more than $10,000 and featured trendy items donated by many of the Hampton Classic vendors and sponsors, as well as artwork from the JustWorld painting project for street kids in Honduras. This unique project provides at-risk youth in Honduras with painting supplies and gives them an opportunity to learn a new skill.

“Thank you to all of our ambassadors, volunteers, family members, donors and others who offered their help in making the JustWorld events so much fun and such a huge success,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “To have everyone pull together and volunteer their time with such a positive spirit is what JustWorld is all about!”

JustWorld wishes to acknowledge the generous support of its sponsors and volunteers including Carolynn Rockafellow who sponsored the Children’s Jumpers class and also matched each winner’s portion of prize money with a donation to JustWorld; JustWorld Board member Leopoldo Palacios of Venezuela who went from designing the courses at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong one week to setting the tracks for the JustWorld Horseless Horse Show the next; Rygate Communications and Lloyd Longenecker for providing the timing and scoreboard; Alison Hartwell of www.alisonhartwell.com who donated her services as the official photographer; BluHorse Clothing who donated hoodies to the first 100 participants in the Horseless Horse Show; Hector Cano and Stephens Designs for building and providing the miniature jumps; and the Hampton Classic for its support.

Founded by former grand prix show jumping competitor Jessica Newman, JustWorld International has worked to bring together the equestrian community and others with the goal of improving the lives of disadvantaged children in the developing world. With show jumping riders around the world signing up to become JustWorld Rider Ambassadors, Newman has mobilized some of the sport's biggest names towards supporting JustWorld’s projects in Cambodia, Honduras, Senegal, Kenya, and Brazil.

To date, over 140 riders have become ambassadors including three 2008 Olympic Games athletes – Federico Fernandez of Mexico, Jean-Claude van Geenberghe of the Ukraine, and newly crowned Olympic Champion, Eric Lamaze. From junior riders to professionals, any rider can make a difference.

Through donations of prize money, specific pledges and proceeds from clinics, volunteering to help with JustWorld International events at some of the world's biggest horse shows, or simply by telling people about JustWorld's projects, these riders have chosen to make a difference by competing . . . with a purpose. With many of the Rider Ambassadors wearing the JustWorld signature blue jacket every time they go in the ring, as well as custom saddle pads and fly sheets, JustWorld is at the forefront of the equestrian stage.

Founded in 2002, JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. For more information on JustWorld International and its upcoming fundraising events, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.