WESA Gives Back
WESA extends continuing support to the larger equestrian industry through annual scholarship programs for the Urban Farm, the United States Pony Club, Future Farmers of America (FFA) and the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH). The WESA Benefit Golf Tournament, in conjunction with WESA’s August Trade Show, brings 70 supporters together for a day of industry networking and funding for these associations, including Western Endowment Trust (WESTrust) and National Little Britches Rodeo (NLBRA). WESA contributes more than $20,000 annually to these charities as a way to support the industry’s youth. Below, you’ll find a brief description of each nonprofit organization WESA supports, as well as links to their individual websites:
Future Farmers of America
Future Farmers of America was founded by a group of young farmers in 1928. Their mission was to prepare future generations for the challenges of feeding a growing population. They taught us that agriculture is more than planting and harvesting — it’s a science, it’s a business, and it’s an art. FFA continues to help the next generation rise up to meet those challenges by helping its members to develop their own unique talents and explore their interests in a broad range of career pathways.
National Little Britches Rodeo Association (NLBRA)
Founded in 1952, NLBRA is a youth rodeo organization for kids ages 5 to 18. The NLBRA’s principal goal is to develop within its members and their families a spirit of fair competition and appreciation of good sportsmanship throughout the experience of healthy rodeo competition. The Association annually sanctions nearly 400 youth rodeos in 15 states, which all operate in accordance with the NLBRA Rulebook. More than 2,000 kids from 27 states compete in NLBRA rodeos each year. Contestants compete for prizes such as saddles, buckles, scholarships, and cash at local rodeos as well as the National Finals events. By competing at local events, contestants work to qualify for the annual National Finals Rodeo.
Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH)
PATH is a federally registered 501(c3) nonprofit, formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies (EAAT) for individuals with special needs. With 4,800 certified instructors and equine specialists, 877 member centers, and over 8,000 members around the globe, PATH helps more than 62,000 children and adults — including more than 5,500 veterans and active-duty military personnel — with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse each year.
Protect The Harvest
Protect The Harvest was created to defend and preserve American freedoms and to support farmers, ranchers, outdoor enthusiasts, and animal owners. The mission is to inform, protect, respond.
The United States Pony Club
Pony Club is the largest equestrian educational organization in the world. The cornerstones of their foundation are education, safety, sportsmanship, stewardship, and FUN. Members learn how to ride and care for horses through mounted sports. The skills, habits, and values instilled through horsemanship will apply to every part of a member’s life. Participating members have access to the Pony Club online community, sponsor discounts, educational standards and achievements, a Pony Club Pin, and the chance to participate in activities such as lessons and certifications, rallies and competitions, and championships and the Pony Club Festival.
The Urban Farm
The Urban Farm at Stapleton began in 1993 when its founders started a program for 15 inner-city youths to learn about horses at a private farm. It subsequently expanded its programming to include animal and plant programs. The Urban Farm has evolved into an educational campus devoted to developing the full potential of its participants through equine education, animal husbandry, and horticulture in an intimate farm setting. In addition to its educational programs, The Urban Farm also provides an important and educational visitor attraction to the Northeast Denver area, as well as a unique and attractive venue for mission-related activities and events.
Western Justice
Western Justice Legislative Fund is a membership-based, nonprofit 501(c)(4) organization that engages in political action to preserve and protect our western heritage. The mission is to unite the western industry into a collective voice preserving and protecting the western lifestyle, livelihoods, and industry events.
WESTrust
WESTrust was established in 2002 as the Industry’s only benevolent association, with the specific goal to assist deserving retailers, manufacturers and sales reps who find themselves, or their families, in need due to unexpected catastrophic or medical circumstances. All donations made to WESTrust are tax deductible and much appreciated. Contributing to the community and helping people in need has become even easier as WESTrust is now on Amazon Smile! When you shop at smile.amazon.com select Western Endowment Trust Fund as your charity and Amazon will donate to WEStrust at no cost to you.
WESA Connects
WESA is proud to partner with companies and associations around the world to support the Western/ English industry. Below, you’ll find a brief description of each partner that WESA supports, as well as links to their individual websites:
PartnerShip
WESA has partnered with PartnerShip® to help you with all of your shipping needs throughout the year. WESA members save on shipments with TForce Freight, YRC, XPO, Saia, and many others. These competitive rates are made available through our endorsed shipping provider, PartnerShip®. With this free WESA member benefit, you’ll reduce your freight costs, easily rate shop between carriers, and get dedicated support from shipping experts. Whether you’re shipping a single pallet or a full truckload, PartnerShip will help you ship smarter.
FedEx Discounts
Rely on FedEx for all of your shipping needs and save through the WESA member benefit program. Members receive 40% off FedEx Express and 30% off FedEx Ground. If you currently ship with FedEx, you’ll be able to continue using it the same way you do today. After you enroll in the FedEx Advantage Program, the discounts will be added to your account and then automatically applied to your shipments. Don’t have an account? No problem – you can open one when you enroll.
AETA
The AETA International Trade Show, from the American Equestrian Trade Association (AETA), is the premier global event showcasing equestrian industry products from leading manufacturers. Taking place two times a year at Dallas Market Center, alongside the International Western & English Apparel & Equipment Trade Shows from the Western & English Sales Association (WESA), these shows create the world’s largest marketplace of equestrian, western and rural lifestyle brands conveniently located under one roof.
