HORSIN' AROUND
RIDE-A-THON FOR SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS
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Written by: Kendra Sutton
hat started decades ago continues to be a special and rare opportunity to support a great cause.
That’s what the 31st annual Special Equestrians Ride-A-Thon will again accomplish, as riders of all ages spend the day making their way through the private and exclusive horseback trails of picturesque Babcock Ranch in Punta Gorda, Florida. The event is February 12, 2022. “The day starts off with breakfast for participants at 7:30 a.m. Riders will take to the trails, and we will have a great barbecue lunch waiting for them when they return, followed by an exciting raffle with lots of prizes until 2 p.m.,” says Freda Jones, longtime board member with Special Equestrians.
Proceeds from this event benefit Special Equestrians therapeutic horseback riding programs and equine-assisted activities. The annual Ride-A-Thon is a fundraiser open to the public this one day only, where trail riders bring their horses to Babcock Ranch, a working cattle ranch. “This is a rare permission opportunity by Babcock Ranch and Tarpon Blue Resource and Land Management to allow access to the area, making this event even more special to our cause, and especially the participants, allowing them access to over 12 miles of undisturbed nature trails throughout,” says Jan Fifer, executive director for Special Equestrians. Special Equestrians has helped children, adults and veterans with a variety of special needs in Fort Myers, Florida, since 1987. The nonprofit agency, a United Way partner, provides
Special Equestrians has helped children, adults and veterans with a variety of special needs in Fort Myers, Florida, since 1987.
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PHOTOS ON THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE BY VANDY MAJOR/FLORIDA WEEKLY
HORSEBACK FUNDRAISER AT BABCOCK RANCH, 'BEST DAY OF THE YEAR'
