(Branford, CT) – Many manufacturers of equine health and wellness products are approached on a regular basis with sponsorship requests from riders, trainers and physiotherapists looking to acquire the best possible products for their horse’s wellbeing. “We are regularly contacted by trainers and physiotherapists and as of late, we have been receiving a lot of inquiries from amateur athletes in both the rodeo and equestrian event disciplines,” says Brian Richardson, owner of Respond Systems and their equine division, RSI Equine.

“We manufacture and sell laser and pulsed magnetic therapy equipment for the veterinary market, and due to the non-invasive healing capabilities of our therapies, our products are in demand with amateur and professional riders a like!”

Respond Systems and RSI Equine launched their first annual Amateur Rider Award earlier this year with the goal to support riders who compete with passion and dedication while also holding down full -time careers or are pursing a full-time degree. Twice in 2015, Spring and later Summer RSI Equine will award two amateur riders, one in the Western and one in the Equestrian disciplines, with a Sentry Pulsed Magnetic Therapy Blanket valued at over $5,000.

“This award was created to help support riders who strive to excel in their sport while also putting the health of their horse at the forefront,” comments Richardson. “We hear the genuine love and concern in their voices for their horses when they call us for sponsorship. Yes, they want to get a leg up on the competition of course, it is a competition after all,” he continues, “but the horse comes first, and we see time and time again how respectful the riders are of their equine partners. It is a beautiful thing.”

And it is precisely for those reasons that RSI Equine is thrilled to announce the winners of the Spring Respond Systems Amateur Award, Cynthia Bayles of Camas, Washington (Eventing, Show Jumping and Dressage) and April Masterson, of Lincoln, Vermont (Barrel Racing).

Cynthia Bayles balances a full time career at a financial institution, a family and competitive riding. “I really am thrilled and honored to be one of the two lucky winners of Respond Systems’ first Amateur Rider Award Contest,” comments Bales, “I’ve seen the positive results from using the Respond Cold Laser I purchased a couple of years ago and can hardly wait to start using the Sentry Magnetic Therapy Blanket! The timing is perfect too as our competitive season is just getting started. I’m looking forward to “experimenting” with it – pre and post competition, training etc. to see how it affects the horses and gets the best results,” she concludes.

April Masterson carries a B.S in Exercise Science and Sports Administration, an M.S in Administration and works at United Technologies Aerospace Systems.  She has also been Barrel Racing for 20 years. “The knowledge I gained in my studies earning my B.S I take pride in applying in my daily care of and working with my horses, and I find it very stimulating to keep up with the evolving equine therapies, and scientific research behind them,” Masterson says. “Rodeos are different from shows because it is not uncommon to be in three different states in three days for rodeos. Very rarely do our horses have stalls; they spend their time tied to a trailer or in temporary pens we bring with us,” she continues. “The Sentry Blanket would be a crucial part of my pre-race regimen and is an efficient way to reduce pain, swelling, stress and therefor healing time by stimulating cell repair. I am really excited for this opportunity and thank Respond for this once in a lifetime opportunity. With hundredths of a second determining the winners, everything you can do to make your horse feel better will help you win,” she concludes enthusiastically.

Both winners will be receiving their Sentry Magnetic Blankets early May just in time for the height of the summer season.

“We very much look forward to following our winners throughout the season and cheering them on,” Richardson says with a smile, “and knowing that our products are out there helping to enhance the lives of both the riders and horses is exactly what Respond is all about.”