RIDE TV, a new breed of entertainment.
Some speakers take the stage after a laudatory introduction or amidst an enthusiastic round of applause. Craig Morris however, a National Cutting Horse Association Hall of Famer, additionally made his grand entrance to the stage on Friday night appropriately perched atop a horse during an exclusive party in the Historic Stockyards District celebrating the launch of RIDE TV, a new 24-hour cable television channel dedicated to the American horse lifestyle and culture.
Morris, president of the Fort Worth-based network, has teamed up with RIDE TV CEO Michael Fletcher to present an entertaining mix of equestrian content including reality shows, daily horse news, talk shows, documentaries, movies, championship events, and much more. Notably enhancing the business partnership, an unexpected serendipity occurred when the project caught the attention (and ultimately financial investment) of iconic billionaire philanthropist John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Paul Mitchell Systems hair products, Patron Spirits Company, and the new ROK Mobile wireless service.
DeJoria expressed, I got very interested in RIDE TV when I was doing a show for them at The Arbor rehab center in Georgetown about how we love horses, and I found out that they were actually going to produce a 24-hour-a-day (eventually) television station that deals with all disciplines of horses ... all disciplines. I thought, 'That is so cool! That's what horse lovers need.' And first we'll start in the United States and get it fully distributed, and then we'll go international with it because so many people love horses. That camaraderie we have with a horse and that energy a horse has with a human being - if you tap it, it's phenomenal and very, very healing. So I wanted to be part of it!
Also making an appearance at the launch party was actor Ricky Schroder (best known for his television roles in Silver Spoons, Lonesome Dove, NYPD Blue, and more) accompanied by his wife, interior designer Andrea Schroder, who provided guests with candles from her elegant 'poetry of fragrance' collection. About his connection to the executive team, Schroder explained, My good friends John Paul and [his wife] Eloise introduced me to Michael Fletcher several years ago, and I've watched them work really hard getting to this point of launching RIDE TV. And I've just been so impressed by the entrepreneurial spirit that they possess and the drive they possess to bring this kind of content to everybody.
On October 13, 2014, the network secured its first cable distribution agreement; and now a deal has officially been signed with Verizon FiOS. Although RIDE TV is currently available through Northeast cable provider Armstrong as well as KlowdTV live streaming service, a verbal offer has additionally been extended by a national satellite company and discussions are underway for the potential of wide distribution through companies like Time Warner, Comcast, AT&T, and others.
Bringing together people who have a passion for horses, RIDE TV features 80% original content in 100% high-definition and is currently producing and airing programs such as:
Saddle Up With Jay Novacek
Three-time Super Bowl winner and cutting horse competitor Jay Novacek takes an inside look at millionaire cowboys, media celebrities, and professional athletes who became true horsemen and women.
Horses That Heal
A heart-warming series telling the inspiring stories of lives that have been improved by equine therapy, a proven treatment helping thousands of people cope with a variety of physical and mental challenges.
It's My Backyard
Chad Prather hosts this comical and slightly risque show which ventures into different cities to visit with folks at local bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues ... always tying into an equine event and ramping up to a punch line.
Rockstar Vets
The hilarious reality show unveils the escapades of equine surgeon Dr. Chris Ray and his assistants as they respond to the challenges of serving the rich and famous.
Stable Fables
Artist Jared Wilson conveys an assortment of ethical values during this children's program which teaches through drawing and storytelling.
Swamp Donkey
Anthony Lucia hosts this very funny and entertaining bloopers-type program highlighting a collection of unexpected or misdirected adventures involving horses.
For more information, subscribe to email updates, watch preview trailers, view programs online, or visit:
RIDE TV
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