It is time to mark your calenders in anticipation of Sunrise Therapeutic Riding and Learning Centre’s annual “Hoofbeat Challenge” charity fundraiser on Sept. 27.
Both riders and dog owners are invited to support the centre and help make a difference for children and adults with disabilities – by hiking the trails, walking your dog or riding your horse.
Those taking part are asked to bring $50 or more in pledges or pay a $50 entry fee to receive free door prize tickets, lunch, a goody bag, ribbons and more.
This year both the walk and ride will be organized into a “Poker Run”, with all participants being given a five card hand after they complete the trails.
Opportunities will be provided to pick up extra cards to improve your hand and chances of winning.
The first 10 people to preregister will be given an additional card and participants who bring in over $250 in pledges will be given two additional cards. The best hand wins and the prizes are great, officials say.
Sunrise executive director Ann Caine explained the event has taken place for a number of years.
“One of the things we are trying to do is get more people out walking their dogs and more riders,” said Caine.
“It just seems really hard to do that unless you approach people personally.”
This year’s event will not include the family day portion.
Caine explained the event is a fundraiser “and we found it was a huge amount of work for our staff and we are really concentrating on the ride and the walk.”
The event still includes a barbecue lunch along with a small silent auction. In addition, Caine said there will be prizes and T-shirts for participants.
Caine described the ride as a wonderful experience. “It’s like being out in the bush. You feel like you are miles away from anything.”
She added, “I’m proud to say our trail ride does not go onto the road at all. We use five farms. Our neighbours are really great. It’s wonderful.
“We’re just hoping more and more people come out to support this.”
Hundreds of children come through the Sunrise programs on a yearly basis, Caine explained, adding, “We have 50 children at camp every day at this time of the year.”
Caine was quick to point out not all of the camp participants have disabilities – it is integrated.
“But for the regular programs we have so many children … and there is a waiting list,” she said.
Last year the Hoofbeat Challenge raised about $30,000 and Caine hopes for a similar amount to be raised this year.
She added the Scotiabank in the area is very supportive and sends volunteers to assist in the day. “And Scotiabank is also a $5,000 sponsor – it really helps.”
She added, “This year we are trying to get together our own parents and children (using Sunrise) involved.”
Previously they had a week in September when they did a ride during their lessons and did something different.
“I’ve found this to be a conflict with kids going back to school and the fundraising happening at that time.”
This year, that event was switched to May when parents are not as stressed, “And the children raised $5,000, therefore that was a good start.”
Caine added the change resulted in the doubling of the amount raised by the children simply by doing it in May.
While the goal is to get more people involved Caine said, “If people just want to come out and just walk on the trail, without a pledge or walking a dog (they can).”
She explained people could just pay $50 and come out for the ride.
For hikers and dog walkers, registration begins at 9am with the walk starting at 10am.
For riders, the registration begins at 10am with the ride at 11am.
For registration and pledge forms visit the centre’s website at: www.sunrise-therapeutic.ca.
