2023 Arabian Horse Times Reader's Choice Editorial of the Year
Mary Trowbridge deflects attention and recognition sent her way about the Arabian
Horsemen’s Distress Fund (AHDF). But, an organization is often only as good as its
leadership, and Trowbridge has been at the helm since day one. When Trowbridge
started training horses 45 years ago, she never imagined that path would give her a
competitive show record, successful training business, and reason to start a nonprofit.
“All I am is the hub of the wheel here,” Trowbridge, founding board member of AHDF
humbly stated. “The Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund would not be anything without
the people who brought it to life and those who keep it alive through their ongoing
consideration of people in their community.”
Founded in 2005, AHDF gives to members of the Arabian horse community when
tragedy strikes. The fund helps with things like medical events, natural disasters,
property damage, and other unplanned expenses. AHDF representatives describe it as
a “bridging fund” meant to help people experiencing a crisis.
Many people within the Arabian horse community are familiar with the fund, which is run
by a board of directors, and funded by generous donors. AHDF has a large presence at
shows, on social media, and within conversation among peers. Although AHDF is not
formally attached to the Arabian Horse Association (AHA), benefactors must have an
active AHA membership to qualify for funding.
Good wishes and goodwill
“Time after time, this fund organically brings us together,” Trowbridge shared. “It is truly
the center of good wishes and goodwill in our Arabian horse community.”
AHDF has become a tangible representation of how the Arabian horse community
supports one another. People give to the fund not only with the understanding that they
may need it one day, but also with the knowledge that they’re helping someone with a
common passion – the love of Arabian horses.
In a world that sometimes seems obsessed with labeling and grouping people, being
part of something because of the shared love for a beautiful, healing, and graceful
animal makes Trowbridge and others grateful.
“My Arabian horse makes my life way better,” Trowbridge shared. “Our horses are gifts.
I know I share this feeling with every person who spends time with these horses. They
have a special way of bringing people together.”
The Arabian horse community is close-knit. Competitors, colleagues, and strangers
become friends and family over shared experiences with their horses. There are
countless friendships, relationships and families built because of these animals.
Consistent, honest leadership
As Trowbridge stated, the Arabian horse community continually comes together –
through AHDF – to support each other. Sometimes people give because there is an
active fundraiser for a good friend, while other times they give only because they know
it’s a worthy cause.
“It is not lost on myself and the entire board that people are trusting us with their
money,” Trowbridge stated when talking about managing AHDF funds. “We always
want to be a helping hand to people who need it, but our donors also need to know that
we will protect the intent of their support.”
The AHDF board is comprised of six longtime Arabian horse community members. Its
founding members are Mary Jane Brown, Van Jacobsen, Stan Morey, Rev. G. T.
Schramm, and Mary Trowbridge. Bob Nash joined eight years ago, bringing the total to
six. Their involvement with the breed, personal relationships with community members,
and locations throughout the country make for a balanced board. Brown and Trowbridge
are horse trainers; Brown, Jacobsen, Morey, and Trowbridge are judges; Jacobsen,
Nash and Schramm are amateurs and/or Arabian horse owners.
“The Arabian horse community is a group of ‘doers,’” Brown stated. "The Arabian
Horsemen’s Distress Fund has become a wonderful way for us all to come together and
do something for each other when the chips are down."
Schramm felt a similar appreciation for the Arabian horse community’s willingness to
step into action. He has been part of AHDF since the beginning. In 2005, he
spearheaded applying for the fund's 501(c)(3) status after Att. Dale Harvill completed
the fund’s incorporation. This active Episcopalian priest shared, “Being part of the
Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund is still one of the best things I get to do.”
Friends helping friends
The humble and pure intentions of AHDF have remained true since inception. The
organization was inspired when a group of horse trainers and exhibitors were raising
money for their friend, Ron Copple. Copple had recently been diagnosed with stage four
Hodgkin’s lymphoma. He had a scary – and frankly expensive – road ahead.
They hoped to ease the financial burden of Copple’s treatments, so he could focus on
getting “back in the saddle.” What transpired still amazes Trowbridge and others
involved. This group of friends never planned for the fund to evolve into what it has–
they were just helping someone they loved. However, after seeing what it did for
Copple, they realized others in the future would likely need similar support. Essentially
overnight, Trowbridge went about establishing the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund,
and added “founder of a nonprofit” to her resume.
In the last 18 years, AHDF has raised and distributed more than three million dollars to
horsemen and horsewomen in need. Although some of the larger fundraisers have
garnered lots of attention, Trowbridge estimated that 80 percent of the fund’s
distributions are entirely private. Trowbridge also shared that some of the fund’s largest
donations have never been publicized either.
“People give what they can,” Trowbridge stated with gratitude. “Donors don’t write
checks for the recognition. They do it because they know it will help someone else who
loves an Arabian horse, just like they do. That’s why I always say the horses are the
center of the fund’s success.”
Benefactors of AHDF echo Trowbridge’s testament, explaining that their horse was a
game-changer. Heather Freeman had just purchased an Arabian gelding named
Windborne Maestro (“Mo”) when her daughter Lillie Ellis received an osteosarcoma
diagnosis in 2010. Ellis is a healthy 26-year-old today, but her condition had taken an
abrupt decline when Trowbridge reached out to Freeman 13 years ago.
“Mary and the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund were absolute lifesavers,” Freeman
emotionally shared. “If we hadn’t had Mo, and not been part of the Arabian horse
community, I don’t know where we’d be today.”
On the horizon
Reflecting on Copple’s and Ellis’ stories motivates Trowbridge. She shared that she is
most proud of how the community rallies for their peers. Looking forward, Trowbridge’s
greatest hope is that AHDF remains a binding force for the community.
Trowbridge and board members want to remind AHA members that the fund is available
to them. It provides financial support for many things, ranging from major medical costs
to late feed bills. They also want to extend their sincerest thanks to people who donate.
The story of the Arabian Horsemen’s Distress Fund is a shining example of community,
and a tribute to Aleksandra Layland’s quote, “There is much we can learn from a friend
who happens to be a horse.” In many ways, this story is just getting started.
Stay up to date on current fundraisers, apply for support, and get involved with the fund
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