presents
Fundraising events to benefit Saddle Up Scholars!
Sunday, March 22 (WEF 11) and Friday, March 27 (WEF 12)
11 am to 2 pm
Permanent Barn #4, KPF Set-up
Wellington International Showgrounds
Scroll down to learn more about Clothes for a Cause, Saddle Up Scholars, and how to get involved!
The first Clothes for a Cause event took place on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at Wellington International. In addition to avoiding the worst of the thunderstorms that afternoon, the team raised almost $1000 for the Equestrian Aid Foundation!
As with any new effort, we owe a debt of gratitude to so many. Thank you to Barbara Closter and Mimi Maddock for coming up with the idea and spearheading this first event. And a huge thanks to everyone who helped behind the scenes, including Anne Caroline Valtin, David Burton, Kim Davidson, Lily Maddock, Jenny Closter, Emily Cleland, and Jamie Summerside.
About our Beneficiary
Saddle Up Scholars provides educational services at no cost to young riders in existing equestrian outreach programs. Its mission is to make a direct and immediate impact in the lives of young horse enthusiasts from underserved backgrounds by harnessing the skills they gain from horses and channeling that into academic success.
Tutors and teachers from Saddle Up Scholars meet with students in weekly or as-needed sessions to review academic progress, develop learning strategies, and plan for continued engagement. In addition to necessary technology such as laptops and wifi, Saddle Up Scholars offers academic coaching, guidance, and enrichment opportunities to students who otherwise would not have access. Fundraising ensures that Saddle Up Scholars can provide students with school supplies, including technology, and can compensate its exceptional tutors and teachers for the work they do with participating students.
Click here for more information about Saddle Up Scholars and its partner programs that give youths from underserved communities the experience and enjoyment of horses and horseback riding.
If you’re like many equestrians, you have almost new and very gently used riding apparel that you’re not wearing. Participating in Clothes for a Cause, as a donor, shopper, or volunteer, is your chance to put those un-worn clothes to work for a great cause!
100% of proceeds go directly to our beneficiary, Saddle Up Scholars!
How to get involved in Clothes for a Cause
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Donate Your Gently Used Riding Apparel*
Clean out your closet by donating your almost new and gently used riding apparel! Drop off your donations at Signature Academics, 12300 South Shore Blvd., Suite 90, Wellington (Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm).
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Shop Fellow Equestrians' Gently Used Riding Apparel
Join us to shop Clothes for a Cause on Sunday, March 22 and Friday, March 27 at the KPF set-up at Wellington International Permanent Barn 4. Add to your riding wardrobe by shopping fellow equestrians’ nearly new and gently used riding apparel. All proceeds - 100%!!! - go directly to Saddle Up Scholars.
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Volunteer!
Help us sort and tag donated clothes, set up and staff events (location and dates to be announced soon!), and clean up afterward. Bring friends! Your time can count towards required community service hours, too!
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Why Participate in Clothes for a Cause?
- Raise funds for a non-profit that supports underserved young equestrians
- Make room in your closet by donating clothes you don’t wear
- Add to your daily riding wardrobe by shopping fellow equestrians’ closets
It’s a win-win-win!
*Clothes for a Cause will accept donations of women’s, men’s, and children’s riding clothes only, including show and schooling tops, breeches, jackets, and shadbellies that are clean and in good repair. Donated items must have all buttons, working zippers, and intact seams and cannot be stained or faded. At this time, we are not able to accept any other categories of equestrian equipment or apparel. Thank you!