November 22, 2005 – New York, New York – Junior Rider Ambassador Natalie Johnson of Greenwich, CT, has donated more than $38,000 US so far this year to JustWorld International, a not-for-profit, humanitarian organization founded to work as a catalyst for positive change in the developing world by helping underprivileged children.

Johnson has donated 100% of her prize money earnings to JustWorld International since becoming a Junior Rider Ambassador last spring. Following an incredibly successful 2005 season, her donations to date this year alone total more than $38,000, an impressive accomplishment for a Junior competitor.

JustWorld International will use Johnson’s donations to help fund the building of a school and community center in the village of Tornabe on the north coast of Honduras. With approximately 2,500 residents, 800 of those being children, this underprivileged community has limited access to education. In June of 2004, Johnson visited the JustWorld project site in Honduras and returned home motivated and determined to do everything in her power to improve the conditions for thousands of impoverished children, and that meant winning more prize money.

“When you visit a project site, you see first-hand the huge impact that even a small donation can make,” noted Johnson, a first year student at New York University where she continues her pursuit of social justice as a Martin Luther King Scholar. “I saw what a huge difference even a dollar can make in the everyday lives of these unfortunate kids, and I hope I will be able to inspire many other riders to join me in supporting the work of JustWorld International.”

In October and November alone, Johnson gathered numerous top placings, allowing her to win money for an organization she passionately believes in. At the CSI-W Syracuse International Sport Horse Tournament held November 2-6 in Syracuse, NY, Johnson was double clear riding Lavaro to place third in the $40,000 Beacon Hill Junior/Amateur-Owner Grand Prix, winning $5,200 in the process. The following day, teamed up with three other riders including professional Margie Engle, Johnson was clear riding Jeremy in the $15,000 Junior/Amateur Pro Speed Team Challenge, leading her Team to the win with a purse of $1,875 per rider. Also at the Syracuse International, Johnson was among the 17 riders that made it to the final round of the APSCA Maclay National Finals from a total of 148 competitors.

One week earlier, Johnson, who trains with Andre Dignelli and his team at Heritage Farm in New York, was crowned the Grand Junior Hunter Champion riding Moulin Rouge at the Washington International Horse Show. The title was a fitting way to mark the end of her successful junior career. In addition, she also placed fourth overall in the Washington International Horse Show Equitation Classic Finals. Also in October, Johnson placed second in the North American Equitation Championship held at Maryland’s Capital Challenge Horse Show and was a member of the Silver Medal Team at the Prix de States Junior Championship held in Harrisburg, PA, riding Rhythm & Blues.

“I am truly overwhelmed by Natalie’s success this year and it greatly touches me that she chooses to donate 100% of her winnings to JustWorld International,” said Jessica Newman, Executive Director of JustWorld International. “I first met Natalie two years ago, and she was interested in JustWorld right from the very beginning. Since then, her passion and dedication to JustWorld has grown and she has become a wonderful spokesperson, encouraging and inspiring so many other youth and equestrians to get involved.”

Pierre and Martha Jolicoeur have generously donated a P.J. Saddle to the JustWorld Rider Representative who donates the most money to the organization in 2005, and Johnson has now surpassed Canada’s Eric Lamaze as the largest donor to date. Rider Representatives still have until the end of the 2005 calendar year to submit their donations, with the saddle presentation will be made during a special ceremony at the Winter Equestrian Festival in Wellington, FL.

JustWorld International Rider Representatives include Kevin Babington of Ireland, Christophe Barbeau of Switzerland, James Benedetto of the United States, Bruno Chimirri of Italy, Angela Covert-Lawrence of Canada, Federico Fernandez of Mexico, Markus Fuchs of Switzerland, Herve Godignon of France, Pauline Guignery of France, Olivier Guillon of France, Imke Hofschroer of Germany, Candice King of the United States, Eric Lamaze of Canada, Rutherford Latham of Spain, Peter Leone of the United States, Robert Maguire of Great Britain, Giulia Martinengo Marquet of Italy, Titi Mills of Honduras, Eric Navet of France, Marie Pellegrin of France, Ludo Philippaerts of Belgium, Philippe Rozier of France, Tim Stockdale of Great Britain, Ray Texel of the United States, Marilyn Vorpe of Switzerland and Gregory Wathelet of Belgium. Through various initiatives, including donating a portion of their prize money and giving clinics to benefit JustWorld International and encouraging their owners, sponsors and youth to follow their lead, riders are able to support the organization’s projects and programs.

JustWorld International raises awareness and funds in the equestrian community to support humanitarian projects that benefit impoverished communities and children in the developing world. Cooperating with local partners, JustWorld International implements sustainable, culturally sensitive education, health and vocational projects. JustWorld International trains and empowers international and local university student volunteers to create and realize these projects, providing them with hands-on experience in promoting social justice. With project sites located in Cambodia, Honduras, Kenya and Senegal, students are working for change in a wide variety of environments on behalf of JustWorld International. For more information on JustWorld International, please visit www.justworldinternational.org.