Seen here at 2010 IHSA Nationals, Emily Pope of the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) is a JustWorld International Ambassador. Pope competes internationally on behalf of JustWorld, which strives to improve the lives of many in developing countries.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA RIDER COMPETES FOR A WORTHY CAUSE

Emily Pope, who as a freshman at the University of Minnesota (Twin Cities) finished on top of the Zone 9, Region 3 hunter seat open rider standings last season, e-mailed Campus Equestrian in October to inquire if we would write a story on a charitable organization for which she actively competes for. "I am trying to raise awareness for JustWorld International, a nonprofit organization that I am a rider ambassador for," said Pope. "JustWorld provides many kinds of aid for children in impoverished countries and has a variety of projects in Honduras, Guatemala, Senegal, Brazil, and Cambodia. (JustWorld does) everything from building schools to mobile libraries to food and hygiene projects."

In a separate e-mail Pope mentioned that she would be "going to Guatemala next month to compete specifically for JustWorld at El Cortijo Horse Show. This is the second time that I'm going abroad to show for JustWorld. That's one of the opportunities that ambassadors get."

Though Pope mentioned that she was back at home in the New York metropolitan area as part of a work study program during the fall semester (while also having the opportunity to show her mare at indoors and grand prixs) and thus not competing again for the Golden Gophers until the spring, we liked what we saw on the JustWorld website and asked Pope if we could do a Question and Answer e-mail interview about the charity. She agreed and so we let the questions fire away.

CE: How did you get involved with JustWorld?

EP: I found out about JustWorld when I was showing during the summer in 2008. I'm in an area where there are a lot of ambassadors, so I saw the coat fairly often and had an idea of what it was. I actually got actively involved through Facebook; I got invited to JWI benefit events and so was exposed to it that way. I sent an application to become an ambassador and was accepted during the fall of that year.

CE: How does JustWorld earn funds from your appearances in competitions?

EP: JustWorld has a few different ways to collect money from rider ambassadors. Ambassadors either donate a percentage of their yearly winnings or set a specific amount and donate that. Since I show in the jumpers and win money, I send a percentage of that to JWI at the end of each year. Many people go the other route and set an amount.

In addition to the ambassador donations, we do many fundraising events such as horseless horse shows, benefit classes at shows, raffles, and whatever else our ambassadors come up with.

CE: How many countries have you traveled to for competitions on behalf of JustWorld?

EP: I traveled to Ecuador last year and am going to Guatemala this year. Trips are not solely based on showing; they mainly revolve around visiting project sites (as is the case with the Guatemala trip this year). We also have trips where there is no competition. It is just an opportunity to go to a project.

Pope e-mailed us an image captured from a video made during her competition in Ecuador in 2009. "Typically, a JustWorld Rider Ambassador wears a bright blue coat while competing," says Pope, "but it's not appropriate for the equitation world, so during the school year, I make do with a lapel pin and with trying to get the word out as much as possible."

CE: What does JustWorld do exactly?

EP: Each project site has different goals based on the needs of the community there. I'm going to link a flow-chart in my answer; it sums up what goes on at each site (The Link: http://justworldinternational.org/HOW%20WE%20WORK.pdf).

CE: How can one become involved with JustWorld, be it as a donor or a competition rider?

EP: JustWorld has an application process which requires answering some questions, including essay questions about why you want to be a part of this cause and what you can contribute (in terms of your commitment). Potential ambassadors have to e-mail the organization to receive the application. We have technical ambassadors in addition to rider ambassadors; technical ambassadors are course designers or people who otherwise are involved with the horse world but do not compete. JustWorld also welcomes volunteers at fundraising events and always welcomes donations!

CE: Can you mention what it is you are doing this semester that has you in the New York Metro area and not at the University of Minnesota? I know it is something work-study related.

EP: I am working at a small animal veterinary clinic. I also took this semester off to show my mare at the Boston Jumper Classic and do the Grand Prix there before Harrisburg (and then to go to Harrisburg).

(The home page for the JustWorldInternational web site can be found at http://www.justworldinternational.org/. Though their home page mentions that their site is under construction and that a new site is coming soon, the current site seems very worthy. If one clicks on the icon "Jump for a just world" and looks at the list of "ambassadors" it is obvious that internationally renown competitors and those who are simply enthusiastic about riding are among the ranks. If you are interested in becoming an ambassador the icon to sign up is also found on this page, simply enough titled "Become an Ambassasor.")

---Steve Maxwell