Stony Hill Stables, owned and operated by the Hotchkiss family for more than five decades, will host the annual Stony Hill Stables Foundation Benefit on Saturday, June 24th, from 6pm – 8pm on the pastoral grounds of Stony Hill Stables, located in Amagansett on Town Lane. The Stony Hill Stables Foundation is a not-for-profit organization created to promote equine sports through riding education and competitive opportunities for children and young adults in the local East End community. Now in its sixth year, the Stony Hill Stables Foundation is still the only stable in Long Island to offer this unique scholarship program.

Scholarship students as well as Grand Prix riders will take to the riding ring, entertaining benefit attendees with a special Dressage Exhibition, by Gold medalist Wick Hotchkiss, and a delightfully choreographed Pony Drill Team performance. This family-friendly event will also offer a “Horseless Horse Show” for kids 12 and under as well as a chance to meet Stony Hill’s very own Decano, named 2016 Horse of the Year!

Six years ago, the Stony Hill Stables Foundation was just a mere twinkle in the eye of Wick Hotchkiss, second-generation owner of Stony Hill Stables, USDF Gold medalist and most recently named 2016 Long Island Dressage Association Rider of the Year. Musing ringside with Maureen Bluedorn, a rider at Stony Hill Stables with an extensive background in launching nonprofit scholarship programs, an inspiration became a reality.

“As both an active member in the equestrian world and local Amagansett resident, it has been my life-long dream to make the equestrian experience more accessible in our community,” said Ms. Hotchkiss. Being like-minded, this struck a chord with Ms. Bluedorn who thought it would be a good idea to help foster the relationship with local children interested in the equestrian field. “I used to work with the National Symphony Orchestra, we’d give out scholarships,” said Ms. Bluedorn, “I thought, Why not here?” The “aha moment”!

Through this unique collaboration – and a lot of hard work – the Stony Hill Stable Foundation was created in 2012 and continues to stay true to its original mission: to create essential opportunities for children and adults to connect with the community, grow physically and emotionally, while benefiting from a life enhancing experience.

Scholarship applications for the 2017 season are currently being accepted. Five scholarships will be awarded annually. Local residents of Montauk, Amagansett, East Hampton, Sag Harbor, Southampton and West Hampton are encouraged to apply. Scholarship applications are available on-line at www.stonyhillstablesfoundation.com.

Tickets for the Stony Hill Stables Foundation Benefit are priced at $125 for a single ticket, $200 for a couple. Children under 12 are free! Tickets can be purchased in advance on-line. Tickets can also be purchased at the gate the night of the event. Contributions are gratefully welcome: Stony Hill Stables Foundation, P.O. Box 283, Amagansett, NY 11930 or www.stonyhillstablesfoundation.com. For more information about Stony Hill Stables and the Stony Hill Stables Foundation, please visit the website or call: 631.267.3203.