Former U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Davis to be honored at equestrian event to benefit breast cancer research

June 15, 2008 - PRLog -- UPPER MARLBORO, MD—Former Rep. Joann Davis (VA-01) has been named as one of four women to be honored at the Potomac Valley Dressage Association’s (PVDA) Annual Dancing Horse Challenge on June 28 for her contribution to the equestrian world. Rep. Davis lost her battle to breast cancer October, 2007.

Davis will be recognized for her membership in the Congressional Horse Caucus and voting record on equestrian-friendly legislation while in office. She will be represented by Virginian, Jules Anderson, an International-level equestrian professional.

Rep. Davis will be honored along with local equestrians: Jill Hassler-Scoop, Susan Sweet and Carolle Anne Jacapraro. All four women were lost to breast cancer in the past year.

The Ride for Life was the brainchild of PVDA board member and breast cancer survivor, Pat Artimovich. Now in its fourth year, the June 28-29 horse show has a goal of raising $70,000 for the Johns Hopkins Avon Foundation Breast Cancer Center.

Saturday evening will begin with a Las Vegas themed Gala dinner at 6:00 p.m. and a talk by four-time Olympic Gold Medalist, Nicole Uphoff-Selke.

Following the Gala dinner will be the Jill Hassler-Scoop Memorial Dancing Horse Challenge. The evening will feature performances by Olympian, Cesar Parra; Pan American Gold Medalist, Chris Hickey; World Cup rider, Jane Hannigan; and world-class dancing horses and riders from around the world.

The Potomac Valley Dressage Association (PVDA) is the second oldest dressage club in the United States. Founded in 1964 in Gaithersburg, MD, PVDA promotes the art and sport of dressage by providing leadership, education, scholarships and competitions. www.pvda.org

For more information about the PVDA Ride for Life, visit www.pvdarideforlife.org. Contact Hilary Moore at 413-246-7494 or Hilary@barbarastrawson.com for more information.