ASPCA to Present Maclay National Championship Award at Alltech National Horse Show in Lexington, Ky.

NEW YORK—On Sunday, November 4, the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®) will join officials from the Alltech National Horse Show to award the ASPCA Maclay National Championship medal and trophy to the nation's top junior rider in Lexington, Ky.

"The ASPCA Maclay horsemanship competition not only celebrates the skills of the most accomplished junior riders and their wonderful horses, but honors those who have devoted their lives to humane and responsible horsemanship and the well-being of these majestic equine athletes," said Valerie Angeli, senior director of Equine and Special Projects for the ASPCA. "The ASPCA was founded to prevent animal suffering and equine protection has always been a primary concern for us. We are thrilled to have our Equine Welfare Ambassadors and previous ASPCA Maclay riders helping us to honor these noble animals and be the voice of those horses who are less fortunate."

The final day of the show, now in its 129th year, has been designated "ASPCA Day," and will conclude with the presentation of the prestigious ASPCA Maclay National Championship Award. The Maclay competition was initiated in 1933 by Alfred B. Maclay, an ASPCA board member, accomplished horseman and president of the National Horse Show, whose goal was to reward excellence and inspire compassionate horsemanship in riders under the age of 18.

The ASPCA, along with officials from the Alltech National Horse Show, will co-host a reception on Friday, November 2, inviting the Maclay riders and their trainers to learn more about equine welfare.  Stacia Madden, the 1987 ASPCA Maclay National Champion, top trainer and owner of Beacon Hill Show Stables in Colts Neck, N.J., will be named an ASPCA Equine Welfare Ambassador during the reception. In addition, the ASPCA will host a booth in the Alltech Arena Friday through Sunday providing attendees the opportunity to join the ASPCA Advocacy Brigade and take action to help animals in need.

"We look forward to discussing how these top level equestrians can help us make a difference in the lives of American horses," said Nancy Perry, senior vice president of ASPCA Government Relations. "We are grateful to the Alltech National Horse Show for joining us to raise awareness and are eager to find new ways to educate the equine community on the importance of responsible and humane horsemanship."

The ASPCA’s ongoing exhibit, Angels for Horses: The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, will be open every day at the Kentucky Horse Park's International Museum of the Horse, a Smithsonian affiliate in Lexington.  The exhibit chronicles the ASPCA's 146-year history of advocacy for horses in America, showcasing original artifacts and historic documents from the ASPCA's archives.  The exhibit was unveiled in 2010 and will remain on view for several years.

Founded in 1883 at the original Madison Square Garden, the National Horse Show is America’s oldest indoor horse show and draws many of the world’s top horses and champion riders. For more information on the National Horse Show, please visit www.alltechnationalhorseshow.com.   For more information on the ASPCA’s efforts to protect horses, please visit www.aspca.org.