The Professional Riders Organization was founded in 2009 by professional event riders Phillip Dutton, Buck Davidson, Allison Springer, Craig Thompson and Laura VanderVliet. They were joined by twenty leading professionals, each of whom are accomplished Three-Day Event riders. These Founding Members recognize that professional riders have an obligation to strengthen, promote and contribute to the growth of the sport in North America as well as working to promote horse and rider safety. In 2010, PRO was reorganized and incorporated as a non-profit member organization.
SInce its inception in 2009, PRO has worked with event organizers to bring more spectator activities to its destination venues. PRO provides organizers with feedback after each competition to ensure that each venue is focusing on qualities that will add to the overall rider, patron, spectator and corporate partner experience. Over the last three years PRO and its corporate partners have contributed over $100,000.00 to its PRO Tour Series partners, while also raising over $20,000 in two years for Operation Homefront, The Official Charitable Partner of PRO. Operation Homefront, is a non-profit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to U.S. Military family members and wounded warriors.
PRO riders have hosted U.S. Military families at PRO Tour Series competitions and have also visited schools and hospitals around the country to inspire and share their uplifting stories with children and their families.
(At left)
Buck Davidson visits a patient at the University of Kentucky Children's Hospital and likes how his Gold Medal from the 2011 Pan American Games looks on his young friend. This hospital is a charitable benficiary of The Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event, where PRO riders reach out to the spectators and the community over the span of the competition.