ASPCA to Award the 2010 Maclay Medal at Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament and National Horse Show

NEW YORK—On Sunday, November 7, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) will award the ASPCA Maclay National Championship medal to the nation’s top junior rider at the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament and National Horse Show.

The ASPCA Maclay medal was donated in 1933 by ASPCA board member Alfred B. Maclay to inspire young riders and to instill in them respect and compassion for their equine partners. Maclay was also an accomplished horseman and president of the National Horse Show.

"The Maclay medal not only celebrates the riders and their wonderful horses, but honors those who have devoted their lives and livelihoods to the well-being of these majestic animals,” says Valerie Angeli, Senior Director of ASPCA Equine Events and Special Projects. “The ASPCA has a long, proud history with the equine world after its founder, Henry Bergh, witnessed the abuse and neglect of work horses in the streets of New York City and abroad. Since then, the ASPCA has been dedicated to the welfare of horses in this country.”

Every finalist for the Maclay medal will receive an ASPCA VIP Equine Ambassador lapel pin, which is also available to attendees for a $10 donation to the ASPCA.

In addition to the Maclay presentation, the ASPCA will be hosting the following events for attendees of the Syracuse Invitational: (Check program schedule for locations.)

• Equine Career and College Fair/Event (Thursday, November 4, 6:00 pm to 6:45 pm) — Attendees will have the opportunity to meet ASPCA equine experts and discuss career opportunities in the horse industry at the ASPCA gazebo.
  
• Animal Cruelty 101: How to Spot It And How to Stop It (Thursday, November 4, 7:00 pm to 7:30 pm) — Joseph Pentangelo, Assistant Director of ASPCA Humane Law Enforcement, and Joanne Pentangelo, ASPCA Equine Events Manager, will educate participants on identifying animal cruelty, reporting animal abuse and neglect, and speaking up for at-risk animals.
  
• ASPCA Mobile CSI Vehicle Tours (Thursday, November 4 to Saturday, November 6) — This state-of-the-art CSI vehicle used in solving animal cruelty cases will be available for tours at the State Street Parking Lot outside the Oncenter.
  
• Meet and Greet with ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassadors Georgina Bloomberg and Brianne Goutal (Saturday, November 6, 12:00 pm to 12:30 pm) — Attendees will have the opportunity to meet and take pictures with world-class rider Georgina Bloomberg and 2005 Maclay winner Brianne Goutal at the ASPCA gazebo.
  
• Rescue, Repurpose, Re-home: Helping Horses At Risk (Sunday, November 7, 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm) — This interactive discussion will enlighten attendees interested in making a difference for at-risk horses, and will educate them on how their choices as equine advocates can save the lives of countless of American horses each year.
  
• Meet ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassador and Silver Medalist Peter Leone (Time/date TBA) — Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the elite rider and purchase his new DVD, “Ride the Body,” at the ASPCA gazebo at the Oncenter. Twenty percent of the DVD proceeds benefit the ASPCA Equine Fund.

Every day from November 4 to November 7, ASPCA equine experts and staff will be at the ASPCA gazebo to provide attendees with information, advice and materials regarding prevention of cruelty to animals. ASPCA Canine Anti-Cruelty Ambassador “DaVinci”—a former victim of animal abuse and the face of animals who deserve a second chance and a loving home — will make special appearances throughout the week.

For more information about the Syracuse Invitational Sporthorse Tournament, please visit www.syracuseinvitational.com.