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Terry Fox Trail Ride this Sunday

Sep 20, 2017 | 5:00 PM

Equestrian enthusiasts will be able to saddle up to show their support for the Terry Fox Foundation at the annual trail ride this Sunday.

The event, marking the 36th consecutive ride for Terry, takes place at Hidden Meadows Ranch, with registration starting at 12 p.m. The ride itself kicks off at 1 p.m.

While there is no minimum pledge required, organizers are accepting donations to the Terry Fox Foundation.

“I remember from my youth when Terry Fox was doing his run, so it’s important to keep the memory of that alive, and get young people in particular involved early in supporting causes any way they can,” Karen Ulmer, who is helping organize the event, said.

The event is sponsored by the Battlefords Quarter Horse Club, which has been involved in the trail ride for Terry Fox since the start.  

Both wagons and horses will be permitted for the event. Participants under the age of 18 must wear a helmet.

“When it first got started 36 years ago, there were some people in the community that thought it would be a great way for the equestrian community to get involved in the run, because we don’t run we ride our horses,” Ulmer said.  

“It’s a way to combine fun for riders and their horses, and to donate to a great cause.”

The six-mile ride takes about three hours to complete at a gentle trot. The event starts at the ranch, covers a wide circular route, then returns to the ranch, where there will be a barbecue meal for the participants.

“If you can’t make it to the ride, you are welcome to come for the barbecue,” Ulmer said. “We usually fire it up around 4 p.m. and eat around 5 p.m.”

She said while donations are welcome, the meal will be free of charge.

Ulmer and Debbie Flegel, who is the main organizer of the event and owns the ranch, expect to have about 40 to 50 participants.

Last year the event raised almost $1,000. Over the years since it started, the trail ride has raised more than $70,000.

To find the ranch from Battleford, travel along Highway 16 NW, then turn left at Sunshine Road. From Sunshine Road, turn left at the Hidden Meadows Ranch sign to reach the ranch. 

Pledge sheets are available online at terryfox.org, or when registering in person before the ride.

 

angela.brown@jpbg.ca

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