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.
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…