Grand Prix Equestrian event honors veterans served by R4 Alliance members

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Front (L to R): Jake and Vanessa Keeslar, Miles Lichtenberg with Dusty, Bill Potter, Bronson Jacoway. Back (L to R): Cavalry regiment members John Roberts, Jim Garza, Jean Roberts, Jim McCrystal  (McKenzie Images)

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Mike Murphy, Bronson Jacoway, Susan Evans, Bill Potter, Vanessa and Jake Keeslar, Miles Lichtenberg with Dusty  (McKenzie Images)

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Jake and Vanessa Keeslar  (McKenzie Images)

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Mike Murphy, Susan Evans  (McKenzie Images)

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Miles Lichtenberg with service dog Dusty  (McKenzie Images)

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Calvary Regiment members John Roberts, Jim Garza, Jean Roberts, Jim McCrystal  (McKenzie Images)

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Calvary Regiment presenting the colors  (McKenzie Images)

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Blenheim Equisports VP of Marketing Melissa Brandes, R4 Alliance Board of Directors Chairman Bill Potter  (McKenzie Images)

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Emily Williams, Ettsy Louis, Philip Cillis, Stephanie Jensen  (McKenzie Images)

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Tish Quirk, Hap Hansen  (McKenzie Images)

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Zabel Kerivan, Kathy Gath, Kendall Gath, Katie Scanlan with dog Lulu  (McKenzie Images)

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Jessica and Miles Lichtenberg with Dusty  (McKenzie Images)

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Competitor jumping the R4 Alliance-sponsored fence  (McKenzie Images)

The Grand Prix Equestrian event was hosted by Blenheim EquiSports on Aug. 29 at the Del Mar Horse Park in Del Mar. The event honored all U.S. military veterans who benefit from the services provided by R4 Alliance member organizations (www.r4alliance.org), a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charity that facilitates the rehabilitation and reintegration of veterans suffering from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder), TBI (traumatic brain injury) and MST (military sexual trauma) through recreational therapy.

A highlight of the event included a ceremonial demonstration by the Frontier Army of the West, 2nd U.S. and 8th Illinois Cavalry Regiments (www.2ndcavalry.org) and a vocal performance by Mercedes Martin-Raya of the National Anthem. A customized jump featuring the American flag was included in the $50,000 prize money course, as a tribute to the 155,000 veterans served by the R4 Alliance members.

Photos by McKenzie Images.