The Redford Legacy Fund

This fund, named in honor of Redford, a 1996 American Warmblood gelding donated to the Nancy G. Held Equestrian Center in 2010 by Constance DiDonato and Casey Vance, serves a simple purpose:

We wish to remove financial barriers from any Albion College student who wishes to know the joy of riding a horse.

The costs associated with equestrian sports can prove insurmountable for some students, yet the benefits of working with and learning to ride horses are considerable. Development of leadership abilities, reduction of stress and anxiety, and improvements to balance and coordination serve equestrians well in all aspects of their life, not just at the barn.

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During his tenure at Albion College, Redford helped many students acquire those abilities — and more. Often the first horse students rode at the Held Center, he ushered many nervous beginning riders through their first milestones — first trots, first canters, first time jumping small fences — and gave them the foundation to progress to whatever horses they rode in the future. He also stood proudly for class demonstrations and participated in unmounted leadership training events.

To honor his legacy as a teacher and his kind, generous spirit, the Redford Legacy Fund will make it financially possible for any and all students to be introduced to the world of horseback riding if they wish.

Examples of how this fund may be used include:

• Assisting with fees for Albion's horseback riding wellness course

• Supporting the purchase of personal riding equipment for beginner-level riders who join a varsity or club equestrian team (e.g. safety helmets, riding boots)

• Funding educational opportunities (e.g. clinics, workshops) for beginner riders who wish to increase their knowledge of the sport outside of the Held Equestrian Center

• Donations to the Redford Legacy Fund are tax deductible and large donations may be broken into payments.

To contribute, visit the online giving link and designate "Redford Legacy Fund" in the box for "I would like my gift to support." If you have questions about donation or wish to contribute by an alternative method, please contact the Held Center's Director of Development, Randi Heathman, '03 at or 517/629-0538.