They’ve been riding for a cure every year for the past six years, but now the Australian Trail Horse Riders Association has turned its attention to the Riverina.
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From March 17 next year, 50 riders will take part in a seven-day trail ride at The Bulls Run Station on Old Narrandera Road, Wagga.
Organiser De’hanne Keir said while they didn’t have a connection with leukaemia, they wanted to do something to help people with this terrible disease.
“We came together six years ago and thought, what can we do to put together an event, where people will enjoy themselves, but raise money for blood cancer?” Mrs Keir said.
In six years, the group has raised more than $250,000 for leukaemia and cancer.
All funds raised from next year’s Wagga ride will go back into the Wagga community, which has more than 100 families touched by leukaemia.
While positions are still available, the 50-member cut-off is filled months in advance, however the ride has a novel approach for those who have no intention of getting saddle-sore.
In a twist, the event includes a virtual riding App, to allow anyone to join the ride online, and raise funds for the cause.
“They can create a profile and write a little bit about themselves and what they’d like to do,” Mrs Heir said.
“They can then send it out through Facebook and their community and raise money for a great cause.”
Bulls Run Station manager Mick Bryant said they were more than happy to help after seeing how organised the event was.
“And because there are a few families in the Paraway group that have members affected by leukaemia, so we were very happy to get involved,” Mr Bryant said.
The Leukaemia Foundation has received more than $120,000 from the riders in just three years.
“In my 10 years with the Foundation, Ride with Pride is one of the most exceptional events I’ve had the pleasure of being a part of,” said the foundation’s regional development manager, Nina Field.
Boasting more than 6800 hectares along 40 kilometres of frontage to the Murrumbidgee River, The Bulls Run Station is one of 30 properties owned by the Macquarie Bank, and run by the Paraway Pastoral Company, in three states.
“The scenery is breathtaking, it’s great company, fully catered for and there is fabulous nightly entertainment,” Mrs Keir said.
To find out more, go to www.ridewithpride.com.au.