Registration for the 2019 Rodeo Challenge is closed. Contact us about future events at inquiry@pacingforthecure.org.
Big news! Pacing For The Cure (PFTC) is now expanding into other horse related activities to further achieve its mission. As you know, Pacing for The Cure’s mission is to help those living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), leveraging the Gesek family love of harness racing and honoring the legacy of the late Mr. Bill G, who endured a courageous fight against MS.
Scarlett Wilder recently approached us asking to extend the PFTC “Patch” program into the sport of barrel racing. After input from our Board of Directors, we agreed this is a great way to broaden the human-horse connection while still remaining true to the mission of the charity.
Here are some short bios and photos of our newest rodeo brand ambassadors! All are welcome to participate and may contact Scarlett Wilder, via her Facebook page or PFTC at inquiry@pacingforthecure.org.
When Mr. Bill G, the pacing ambassador, was sent to Heather and Mike Wilder in August 2018, we knew he was in good hands to begin his training and racing career at the Meadows Racetrack. What we didn’t know is that a very special human-horse connection would form between Scarlett Wilder and Mr. Bill G. The best part of this relationship is the formation of two giving hearts with a passion for others! Scarlett’s keen instincts and creativity led her to come up with the Rodeo Challenge to help Pacing For The Cure expand its reach outside of harness racing to help even more individuals living with Multiple Sclerosis (MS)!
Rodeo Brand Ambassadors
Scarlett Wilder
My name is Scarlett Wilder. I am 17 years old from Washington, Pennsylvania. I have been around horses my entire life, whether they’re harness, pleasure or barrel horses. I’ve been running barrels for about 6 years now and love every minute of it! I am so ecstatic to be a part of such an amazing organization!
Abby Yarkosky
My name is Abby Yarkosky. I’m from Canonsburg, PA. I have been riding for 19 years. I barrel race and travel all over the country with my horses. I’m glad to be a part of such a great cause and raising money for this.
Caleb Cline
My name is Caleb Cline. I’m 14 years old and am in 8th grade at Westfall middle school. I am quarterback of the football team and play baseball and basketball. I have been barrel racing since age 4 and have qualified for the American twice, placed 3rd and 5th at the National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) youth world, he runs the International Barrel Racing Association (IBRA) and NBHA.
Shayla McConnell
My name is Shayla McConnell. I am 15 years old and from Washington PA. I participate on my school’s ski club and am a National Honors Society hopeful with a GPA of 4.1. I have been riding horses for 8 years and am so glad to be a part of this rodeo challenge to help find a cure for Multiple Sclerosis (MS)!
Hunter Brown
My name is Hunter Brown. I’m 13 years old and from Kingwood, West Virginia. Since I was 8 years old I was doing English showing, and then I started barrel racing at age 9 with the International Barrel Racing Association (IBRA).
Mikayla Conklin
My name is Mikayla Conklin. I am 24yrs old. I live in Sparta, KY and I barrel race. Racing is in my blood. I have barrel raced my whole life. My mom barrel races and my dad trains harness horses out of Delaware Ohio so I’ve been fortunate to grow up with both disciplines! I am honored to be a part of Pacing for the Cure and I look forward to bringing these two communities together to help raise money and spread awareness about Multiple Sclerosis. 2x American Qualifier. All American Quarter Horse Congress Champion, multiple top 10 places. 4x SEBRA National Finals rodeo qualifier, Go Round Champion, Average Champion. Multiple BFA Derby Finalist. BBR Fast Fifty Finalists. Multiple BOTB qualifications. Multiple IBRA, NBHA, and BBR placings.
Julie Huppman
My name is Julie Huppman. I’m 32 years old and live in Coal Center, PA. I am a member of the International Barrel Racing Association (IBRA), National Barrel Horse Association (NBHA) and On the Road with Dawn & Clea (Roadie) organizations. I am employed full time as a Technical Assistant with a global plastic manufacturer and enjoy spending my weekends competing at barrel races in the tristate area. I am honored to be a Pacing For The Cure (PFTC) rodeo brand ambassador and look forward to helping to raise awareness about Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and funds to help those battling this debilitating disease, while we work to find a cure.
McKenna Adams
My name is McKenna Adams. I live in Finleyville, PA and am 11 years old. I started riding horses when I was 3 years old. My older sister Kassie sat me on her horse at a local fun show and that’s all it took. I rode at fun shows on my sister’s horse’s Streak and Booger until I was 8 years old. We did great together and they both taught me so much about riding, horse care, and love. When I was 8 years old my older brother Taylor bought me my very first horse, Viper. Viper and I have been a great team and I have learned so much more while riding him. We did very well at the shows and earned lots of ribbons. I even won Champion Barrels 2018 with the Foothills Horse and Pony Association. This past Christmas my parents got me a new horse, Titus. So far we are getting to know each other and I have great hopes that he will help me to advance my riding skills. As for now, I plan to just “Enjoy the Ride.”
Suzanne D’Ambrose
My name is Suzanne D’Ambrose and this is my Standardbred trotter, Independent Act – “Indy”. We compete at gymkhanas doing barrel racing, pole bending, key hole and whatever other speed events are added. We both live at the Jersey Shore. We compete in the Open Masters over 40 divisions and also compete at the National Standardbred Horse Show speed events. We also compete at hunter paces where we trot for 5-8 miles. Pacing For The Cure President, Janine Gesek, showed Indy at the 2017 National Standardbred Horse Show in the Pacing For The Cure “In-Hand Trail Class.”
Alicia Surrena
My name is Alicia, I’m a 27 year old barrel racer from Fombell, PA. I’ve been riding and racing for 15 years, and enjoy trail riding on the side. I work in the pharmaceutical industry but was in physical therapy prior, where I had a lot of hands on experience with MS. Recently my aunt was diagnosed with MS and the devastating news really hit my family hard. When I found out about this great organization I knew I had to get involved. I am honored to be representing such a great cause and hope I can assist in bringing awareness and support to those living with MS.