One of the premier events held this year at A Little Futurity was the Heart Of Stone Western Pleasure class, held in memory of Stone Pope, who was born with congenital heart defects and died tragically in February.

Futurity founder Larry and Gale Little approached Stone’s parents, South Carolina trainer Shane Pope and his wife, Holt, with the idea to honor Stone’s memory and raise funds for the Heart Of Stone Foundation, started by Stone’s family to help families dealing with a child with heart problems.

“They asked if they could start the class to honor our little cowboy and we are humbled and so grateful for them,” said Holt Pope.

The class, open to horses of all ages, held today at A Little Futurity, drew a total of 15 entries and Deanna Green of Texas rode BestSeatIn The House to the win.

All proceeds from the class went directly to the Heart Of Stone Foundation.

Later in the day Stone’s favorite horse, MoonDawg, was auctioned off, with the proceeds of the sale also going to the foundation. When the gavel fell, it was Chester and Anne Prince, of Prince Farms in Palmetto, Florida who were the high bidders.

In all a total of $17,000 was raised for the Stone Pope Foundation.

“It is because of friends and family from all over the world who were there for us that we were able to move to Charleston to be with Stone the entire time,” said Holt Pope. “Most families aren’t able to be there the entire time because of work. We want to help those families and give them support for that process. The foundation will also partner with the America. Heart Association and Children’s Heart Foundation to help raise awareness for Congenital Heart Defects.”

If you would like to contribute to the Heart of Stone Foundation visit www.HeartOfStoneFund.com.