Fort Worth’s RIDE TV hooks up with DISH

In a major development that propels a locally originated television network company to the forefront of television content distribution, Fort Worth’s Ride Television Network Inc. (RIDE TV) has a new partner: DISH Network L.L.C.

Under the agreement, DISH will distribute RIDE TV to its customers.

RIDE TV debuted in the fall of 2014 and serves the equestrian lifestyle community.

The private company is headquartered in Fort Worth and has a number of local investors. Its chairman is Kenneth Jones, a Fort Worth financier and longtime local attorney. One of the company’s high profile non-local investors is John Paul DeJoria of Paul Mitchell hair care products and Patron Spirits.

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The agreement validates a prediction by RIDE TV’s president Craig Morris, who told Fort Worth Business in November that the startup was soon “going to be widely available.” This agreement means Ride TV will be available nationally and worldwide.

The company debuted in October of 2014 and its achievements accumulated quickly when it began offering high-definition 24-hour programming. RIDE TV will join the lineup of DISH’s America’s Top 250 and Heartland programming packages later this year.

“We are extremely pleased to have reached this agreement with DISH,” Morris said. “Being able to tell the stories and show the unique lifestyles of real horsemen and women to an audience that would not ordinarily see it has been a lifelong goal.

A cutting horse trainer with more than $2 million in career earnings, Morris started his own television show, Rode to the Winners Circle, several years ago. Partnering with several Fort Worth area businesses, Morris morphed the show into RIDE TV after three years of work exploring the potential of the nascent TV network.

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“There would be no cowboy if it were not for the horse,” Morris said. “RIDE TV showcases all breeds, all disciplines, all the time.”

The network features television programming that showcases both English and Western disciplines and lifestyles, offering live events, reality shows, talk shows, children’s programming and documentaries.

Notable programs include This Old Horse, a documentary showcasing the most famous horses in history; Rockstar Vets, a reality show with a famous equine surgeon; and extensive coverage of Western and English equine competitions.

“We’re a perfect fit for DISH and are excited about our business partnership,” said MichaelTrujillo, RIDE TV’s vice president of global distribution. “DISH is an innovative company that reaches every community across the United States, and we look forward to providing their subscribers with unique programming that embraces the equestrian lifestyle.”

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At this point in the new partner agreement with DISH, potential subscribers can access information about the service through the website https://ridetv.com or by phoning 817-984-3500.