Saddle up your horse and hit the trail for a good cause April 1.
The trail ride is a fundraiser for Horsin’ Around, a recreational equestrian program for men, women and children with special needs. Registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. at Kylemore Farms. The ride is $25. For those that want to participate but not ride, the cost is $15. The price includes lunch and entertainment. An auction will also be offered.
While the event is being held on April Fool’s Day, event organizers are deception free in their commitment to provide an equestrian program in Warren County.
“McMinnville Breakfast Rotarians, McMinnville Special Games and Horsin’ Around members have been hard at work,” said Rotary member Debbie Sain. “Together, great strides have been made toward providing McMinnville’s special needs adults and children a place for a sustainable equestrian program. Horsin’ Around is growing.”
Through a Rotary grant, the program started with the basic purchases of special saddles, helmets, stirrups, and other tack needed to begin working with horses. Items were also donated by individuals in Warren and surrounding counties.
Storage became an issue. Another Rotary grant aided in purchasing a box trailer that is also used at McMinnville Special Games events.
Rotarians are seeking to obtain another grant, this one to purchase a mobile building to provide more storage for the growing program. In order to raise matching funds for the grant, the April 1 trail ride was scheduled.
“While many folks see the equestrian program as a great way to provide therapy to disabled and special needs adults and children, there is an additional benefit for both rider and especially the volunteer – it’s the smiles,” said Sain. “The great big, happy smiles of the individuals are priceless as they work with the majestic animals and realize they are able to ride and they enjoy riding.”
Kylemore Farms is located at 500 Kylemore Lane in McMinnville. Directions: take South Chancery to Viola Road. Kylemore Lane is on Viola Road, about half a mile and to the left. The ride begins at 9:30 a.m. and ends at 12:30 p.m. Then, lunch and the auction is held.
For more information, contact Holly McBride at 808-8816 or Neal Cox at 235-5660.