ptHA Unites for cause
official publication of the pinto world championship • June 19, 2012 • vol. 6 no. 9
Pink Your Pinto is more than just a simple event for Pinto Horse Association intern Holly Usiak. “Breast cancer and cancer is something that hits really close to home,” Holly said. Four years ago at the Pinto World Championship, Holly was the youth president and coordinated the very first Pink Your Pinto event. Since then the event’s focus has shifted. “It kind of started as just breast cancer just because that was what my grandmother passed away from,” Holly said. “But it’s really opened up to all kinds of cancers because it really is such a devastating disease that hits many people.” Pink Your Pinto has gained support from PtHA members and has grown into an annual event at the PWC. Youth members decorate boots at the show and use them to raise money for cancer research. There is a board at Pinto Place that exhibitors have
been signing in memory and support of those they know who have fought or are fighting. Merchandise is being sold at the show office to raise additional funds for cancer research, and tonight everything will come together for the Pink Your Pinto Parade, where people can walk or ride in support of cancer research or memory of a loved one. “It just really unites everyone for a really worthy cause,” Holly said. “It just makes me so proud and it would make my grandmother so proud.” This year the money raised by the youth will go to the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center at The University of Oklahoma. As an intern and a former competitor, Holly said the event has great affects on PtHA members. “I think it’s wonderful for people to participate not only in support of those around them and their family members
or their friends, but it also just truly unites all of us who just show horses together. Maybe we’re competing against each other during the day, but it really shows what a family we are at the end of the day.” Join us tonight in the Ford Truck arena after the Invitational Celebrity Walk/ Trot, which is held after the last class in arena one, for the Pink Your Pinto Parade. Survivors and fighters and their friends and family can share their stories, and everyone can show their support. Photo: Youth members with their boots from the first Pink Your Pinto event in 2009.
PWC Press • No. 9 • Page 1