The Tryon Riding & Hunt Club’s recent “Night Under the Stars” Benefit Dinner raised $10,391 for Polk Equine Emergency Rescue (PEER). The total included proceeds from table and ticket sales, a silent auction, and individual donations.

The benefit was held in conjunction with a $25,000 Hunter Derby at Harmon Classics’ Labor Day Spectacular Horse Show. The show drew so many entries it required a move from Harmon Field to FENCE. The demand for benefit dinner tickets was also far greater than expected, with 60-80 people estimated and 169 calling for reservations.

“What really made the event a success was the teamwork among everyone involved,” said TR&HC Executive Director Kathryn McMahon. “Volunteers from FENCE, TR&HC and PEER solicited items for the auction, which was coordinated by Susan Penfold. Our food and beverage partners were also generous: The Cliffs donated heavy hors d’oeuvres, and Pat Strothers of Impeccable Taste Catering donated food for the dinner at her cost.”

“As an organization that believes in partnerships, service and community, we know that when folks get together for a cause, great things happen,” added TR&HC President Nancy Z. Wilson.

PEER is earmarking the $10,391 donation for the purchase of a truck to pull the organization’s specially equipped trailer, which was purchased in 2010 through grants secured by PEER President Judy Donlan.

“We’ve been lucky in the past to find someone with a suitable truck to pull the PEER trailer in emergencies but you can’t count on that help always being available,” Donlan said. “To provide the best service for area residents we need a truck always available and ready to go.” Donlan says that TR&HC’s donation puts them more than halfway to funding the truck.

About PEER

Polk Equine Emergency Rescue was created in 2002 to assist in the rescue of large animals in emergencies, such as entrapment situations or involvement in accidents with overturned trailers. PEER is manned by a group of volunteers who have been through classroom and field training in large animal emergency techniques.

Judy Donlan says PEER’s rescues have been about 50-50 between horses and cattle, serving residents in Polk, Rutherford and Spartanburg counties. The group has rescued animals trapped in rivers and streams, mud, ponds and a swimming pool, as well as from a large cattle trailer that overturned on I-26 on the Saluda Grade.

The PEER trailer is also stationed onsite for the Block House Steeplechase, the international-level (FEI) shows at Tryon International Equestrian Center, TR&HC’s Horse Trials, other cross-country events, and area Hunter Paces.

PEER became a 501c3 organization in 2007 and relies completely on donations, which are tax deductible. For more information visit www.peernc.org.

If you find yourself in a large animal emergency, such as an entrapment or road accident, your first call should be to your vet so that he/she can be on hand to evaluate and treat any injuries or administer a tranquilizer, if needed to facilitate rescue. Your second call should be to Polk County 911; tell them you need PEER’s assistance and give them your location. PEER does not charge a fee for its service but donations are always welcome.