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Battle River Ride for STARS raises over $12K

Riders come together from Castor, Alliance and surrounding areas to fundraise for STARS.
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Riders give their horses a break and get some lunch before heading out to the second trail ride for the evening at the fundraising event, Hoofs to Helicopter. PHOTO BY MOUSH SARA JOHN

The riders participating in the Hoofs to Helicopter event on Saturday, July 15 couldn’t have asked for better weather as they navigated the trails for the Battle River Ride for STARS.

“The trail was great this year,” said Henry Thomas, president and publicity manager for the event. ” Despite heat being one of the most important concerns for the riders and the horses this year, it went well.”

Thomas explained that the reward was to hear from many riders that they had a great time and it was more than they had hoped for – a beautiful, relaxing, setting to ride in, all the while supporting a great cause – and that they would be coming back next year for the 10th year anniversary.

“Events of this scale take a lot of planning,” Thomas added. “It is a year long process of planning to arrange sponsors and volunteers.”

The trail each year is along the Battle River area between Alliance and Castor, and has to be planned according to the terrain, so that the ability of the riders can range from beginners to experienced.

“We believe we have raised more than $12,000 this year with 87 riders who took part in the event,” Thomas stated.

When the event was started a few years back, a group of riders got together and decided that they would fundraise for STARS.

“Living in a remote area of the province to where the medical help for serious injuries are limited, STARS is our lifeline and has saved many lives in our community,” Thomas said. “We are working hard to improve the ride every year, and have many ideas for a completely new trail to celebrate our 10-year anniversary and hope to add events throughout the year to raise even more funds for STARS.”

Thomas further added that he and his team along with the group of riders were honoured during registration with the support of mounted members from the K Division in full dress on their horses.

“Besides, the Daysland Legion No. 82 surprised us by joining us for supper and awarded us with a donation presentation, which was amazing,” Thomas said.

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Riders and volunteers take a break at lunch after the first trail ride on Saturday, July 15 at the Battle River Ride fundraising event. PHOTO BY MOUSH SARA JOHN
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Horses are tied in the shade as riders take a break at lunch. PHOTO BY MOUSH SARA JOHN