BARRHEAD – The Alberta Trail Ride Association took in $16,191 for the Little Warriors charity on May 17, as it hosted 45 riders in a fundraising event at the Foothills Sandhills Wildland Park. Riders came from all over Alberta, including Barrhead, to participate.
That brings the Alberta Trail Ride Association’s total fundraising for the Little Warriors to $39,773,and $1.36 million raised overall for charities. Little Warriors is a charity that advocates for child sexual abuse survivors and is focused on increasing awareness, prevention and treatment.
“We have two Little Warriors representatives here that will be riding with us,” said Allison Downer, one of the organizers with the association.
Faith Wildman and Brittany Balzer from the Little Warriors organization were thrilled to be part of the event.
The youngest rider was 13-year-old Case Vogelzang.
“This is my second time, but Uncle Dan taught me the very basics,” said Vogelzang.
Sharon Breitkreuz, the oldest rider, is a charter member of the Alberta Trail Ride Association, with her first charity ride being in 1976 when the group raised money for the Canadian Cancer Society.
“I have been involved with horses since I was a child on the farm at Onoway,” said Breitkreuz. Breitkreuz’s husband, Wally, is also a charter member but no longer rides.
Margaret Newell, the Alberta Trail Ride Association president, rode with Breitkreuz.
She has been president for three months and is interested in trail development.
“I'm really just learning about trail riding myself and soaking up everything Sharon is teaching me,” said Newell.
“She's a really good instructor and has years, of course, of knowledge.”
The Edmonton Sheriff’s Posse took part in the ride with two riders, Angie Knull and Cheryl Ross.
The Edmonton Sheriff’s Posse has been around for 75 years and is holding an anniversary barbecue on Aug. 23 at the Leduc Lions Campground. The Posse donates to many causes in Alberta, participating in parades, trail rides, cancer rides and the Little Warriors ride.
Henry and Margaret Wierenga provided support throughout the day. They opened their hearts and their place to the Little Warriors trail ride with camping for the participants and assistance during the event.
Safety was a top priority for participants, with several volunteers, including a firefighter, on standby in case of emergency.
There was also a side-by-side at the ready if it was needed to rescue a rider along the trail.
After the trail ride, Sangudo firefighters cooked up a storm for the riders.
The Little Warriors event included a large silent auction, 50/50 tickets and prize giveaways.
