A local horse-riding academy is hosting a fundraiser next week to raise money for its team of five first-time riders heading to nationals this year.
Peri Lee Show Horses is a full-service equestrian facility and riding academy located at 2888 CR 222 in Wildwood. Owner and Head Trainer Peri Lee Tilghman is inviting locals to an open house Youth Nationals Fundraiser at the facility from 4 to 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 13. Attendees will meet her team of young ladies and their horses, who are headed to Oklahoma City for the Arabian Youth Nationals Championship from July 17-25.
Entertainment will include live music by Palomino Blonde, riding demonstrations, a 50/50 raffle, a silent auction and a firearm auction. Among the prizes will be gift baskets, art and riding lessons. Dinner options include hot dogs and pizza.
Tickets for the gun raffle are on sale now, and ticket holders do not need to be present to win. The firearms include a Browning Maxus 2 Ultimate Maple shotgun for $100 per ticket and a Kimber Micro Bel Air .380 ACP pistol for $50 per ticket. Call 407-402-2116 for more information.
The facility will also accept donations in the form of cash, checks and Zelle to reach its $50,000 goal. With the support of the nonprofit Junior Equestrian Fund, the team has raised over $17,000 thus far. Proceeds from the fundraiser and donations will cover the cost of the 2,400-mile round trip to Oklahoma City, an estimated $21 per mile with six horses in tow.
The competition will showcase riders from all over the country, competing at the highest level in over 2,000 events, called classes. Among the hundreds of competitors will be Peri Lee’s team of five young riders, including two middle- and high-school students from The Villages.
Although this will be Peri Lee’s first time taking a youth team to nationals, she feels very confident in their abilities.
“These girls are team players, and they’ve built relationships with their horses,” she said. “They’ve worked hard for this.”
While some on the team have spent years caring for the horses, others started in recent seasons. But they equally divide the responsibility of equine care, such as mucking stalls and learning to tack the horses. They often speak with vets and chiropractors, as well, preparing them to be the next generation of the equestrian industry.
Their shared experiences are what parents described as the inclusive culture that Peri Lee built at the facility. The team members encourage one another despite competing against each other, and they are all committed to the sport.
“The level of professionalism Lee brings to everything is truly remarkable,” stated one parent.
Of the team, 14-year-old Audrey has been training the longest at five years. She began caring for Milo in January and will be showing him and Luca at nationals. Although she has never competed outside Florida, she is excited for the opportunity to do so for the first time with friends.
“Horse riding is overall a good sport to be involved with,” said Audrey. “Everyone is really nice and supportive.”
Chloe, 12, has trained for four years and will be taking Lucky to the competition. The two have grown together, learning to trust one another and building confidence as they gradually moved up through divisions. She is focused and committed to winning.
“It’s nerve-racking to compete, but I like it,” said Chloe.
New to the team is 11-year-old Cheyanne, who has loved riding horses since a very young age. She started her lessons last year and began riding Calvin a couple of months ago. Despite not being used to being away from home, she embraces the challenge to go against higher-level peers.
“It’s really fun to compete,” said Cheyanne. “I get really excited for my friends and cheer them on.”
Elliana, 10, has trained for two years and will also be competing with Milo. She has learned a lot, including high-level work, and built her confidence through horse riding. Though nervous, she has grown with Milo and hopes it will all come together at nationals.
“This is our chance to show how hard we’ve worked,” said Elliana.
The youngest on the team, 8-year-old Nandini, has trained for two years with Kate. Through wins and losses, the two have learned together, and she has become a better horsewoman. She is eager to travel and meet new riders, all alongside her friends.
“I’m the queen of the world when I’m with Kate,” said Nandini. “I feel like I can do anything.”