Wells Fargo Advisors, a leading provider of investment services and financial solutions, as well as a philanthropic partner for countless programs and initiatives across the country, has once again shown itself to be a strong supporter of the UPHA and the national therapeutic riding community. Repeating its commitment from 2013, Wells Fargo Advisors, through George “Bud” Walton, Jr., pledged $2,400 in 2014, which will be divided among the Champion and Reserve Champion riders in the overall division, as well as in the physical disability and non-physical disability divisions, of the UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup Finals at the UPHA/American Royal. The funds awarded will be presented to the therapeutic riding programs designated by each of these riders. In this way, Wells Fargo will honor the riders’ outstanding performances, and the riders themselves will participate in giving back to the programs that have helped them to attain excellence in the UPHA Exceptional Challenge Cup program.
Wells Fargo has a long tradition of supporting equestrian competition, and, in particular, efforts to promote education and equestrian activities as a therapeutic treatment for a variety of disabilities. For example, Wells Fargo has provided scholarship support for saddle seat riders in the Missouri Horse Shows Association Saddle Seat Medallion Finals, awarding scholarship opportunities to the winning rider at the Finals, held at the St. Louis National Charity Horse Show. Among the riders benefitting from Wells Fargo’s generous support is Nadine Van Zomeren, who is currently enrolled at Bethany Lutheran College in Mankato, Minnesota. Wells Fargo has also provided much-needed support for therapeutic riding programs through the Partners in Equitation program. Wells Fargo has provided a $100 donation to the therapeutic riding program of choice for each of the partnerships established in the Partners in Equitation program.
“Bud” Walton, who has been an instigating factor in creating the partnership between Wells Fargo and the horse industry, is no stranger to the horse world. He grew up around American Saddlebreds, through his affiliation with his relatives, the Creech family, well-known in the industry as Creech Horse Transportation. Bud’s commitment to the horse industry and, in particular, to the positive impact that horses can have upon everyone affiliated with them sparked his desire to create an ongoing relationship between Wells Fargo Advisors and the UPHA.