Chukkers for Charity Takes Spectators on a Safari

Spectators went on safari in the bucolic setting at Orrin Ingram’s Riverview Farm in Franklin for the 26th annual Chukkers for Charity polo match benefiting Saddle Up! The organization’s mission is “to provide children and youth with disabilities the opportunity to grow and develop through therapeutic, educational and recreational activities with horses,” and this event topped all records for fundraising from the previous years.

With a steel gray sky and slightly soggy weather, spirits ran high, as guests, dressed in their best safari attire, cheered on the riders and their mounts. Co-chairs Nina Lindley and Kandis Bates ensured that the theme was dutifully carried throughout the event. The silent auction tent was designed with the safari theme in mind and was filled with auction items, like skeet shooting, an official Slick Lawson archive print of Dolly Parton, a bottle of Blanton’s Original bourbon, staycations at Dream Nashville and 1 Hotel, and much more. Guests of the safari-themed VIP lounge, hosted by MODE Properties, enjoyed the signature cocktail, Chukker Punch.

During halftime, guests were treated to a break in the weather and ventured onto the field for the stomping of the divots and annual car show. There, guests enjoyed tasty ice cream sandwiches and were able to pet the sweet miniature horses. The field was dotted with safari-ready Land Rovers provided by Land Rover Nashville, part of Andrews Transportation Group.

In the end, the Ironhorse Farms team won the heart-pounding match against Lo Key Ranch. Wes Finlayson of Ironhorse Farms was named the most valuable player and received a Zeroo watch donated by King Jewelers. Lo Key Ranch’s Stevie Orthwein’s horse, Nupa, was awarded best-playing pony and was draped with a blanket provided by Tennessee Equine Hospital.