RIDE-A-THON FOR SPECIAL EQUESTRIANS

HORSEBACK FUNDRAISER AT BABCOCK RANCH, 'BEST DAY OF THE YEAR'

Written by: Kendra Sutton

What 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 programs and therapeutic services to approximately 95 participants a week, at their facility on Staley Road in Fort Myers. “The trail riders obtain sponsor donations in order to ride these exclusive trails during Ride-A-Thon. There are prizes awarded for the persons obtaining the most sponsors. It is a day of fun with a choice of short or long trails to ride, along with the natural landscape and amazing wildlife you see along the way. This is such a special day and rare opportunity for supporters of Special Equestrians,” explains board member Kendra Sutton.

“The camaraderie among the trail riders coming from all over the state, as well as the time, talent and contributions donated by our instructors, volunteers, students, vendors and families, is overwhelming each year,” adds Gina Delano, a Ride-A-Thon committee member.

In addition to the trail ride, the special needs riding students from Special Equestrians participate in the Ride-A-Thon as well. Special Equestrians brings their program horses to Babcock Ranch for class demonstrations, including drill-team performances. A riding arena is set up and the student riders get the opportunity to ride in a new and different setting. Program participants exhibit what they have learned, while demonstrating the bond they have built with the horse they see as their special therapy horse. “This allows them to also participate in this exciting day, which they love,” Fifer says. “In addition, it is a great opportunity for the public to see our classes in action and see what we are providing as a service to those in our community that are seeking a really unique type of therapeutic experience … horses and humans … it’s a love like no other!”

Last year the event had over 150 participants between trail riders and Special Equestrians' student riders. There were 100-plus volunteers helping make the event happen, as well as 100plus family members and friends out to enjoy the Special Equestrians' activities.

“This is such a wonderful fundraiser,” adds Fifer. “We often call Ride-A-Thon the best day of the year, as it brings joy to so many people. We invite you to come join us on this beautiful day!” FCM

Roundup

Special Equestrians

5121 Staley Road, Fort Myers, Florida 239-226-1221, specialequestrians.net, Facebook/specialequestrians