Sign up for the battlefordsNOW newsletter

N.B. horse club continues to hold annual Terry Fox Ride

Sep 14, 2016 | 10:00 AM

A horse club has put its own personal spin on a Canadian tradition to raise money for a great cause.

It may be surprising to find out there is no official Terry Fox Run in the Battlefords but there is an official horse ride. The Battlefords Quarter Horse Club has held the Terry Fox Ride since 1981, the same year of the first Terry Fox Run.

Karen Ulmer is a member of the club and organizer of the event this year. Though she’s never been personally affected by cancer she still thinks it’s an important cause to fund.

“As with any group of people, some of our members have had personal experiences or had family members with cancer,” Ulmer said. “I remember hearing over the radio when Terry Fox had to give up on his run. He dedicated his short life to helping others and I think for one day a year it’s something we all can do.”

Ulmer said the ride has raised roughly $80,000 total since its inauguration. All the proceeds go towards the Terry Fox Foundation.

According to Ulmer the event usually gets 25 to 75 riders depending on weather. She expects a big turnout this year.

“The forecast is gorgeous so I am definitely hoping to get over 40 people,” Ulmer said. “It has become a generational event. There are people who I remember as kids and now they bring their kids and even grandkids to ride. It is a lot of fun.”

Ulmer wants everyone to know even if they can’t make it to ride they are more than welcome to the barbecue afterwards. Everything is free though donations are encouraged. Pledge sheets can be found on the Terry Fox Foundation website.

Ulmer said the ride is meant for equestrians but she welcomes those who want to walk. Riders have to bring their own horses and wagons are also welcome to help more people partake. The trail is a six kilometer walk-only ride. It will begin at Hidden Meadows ranch northwest of Battleford on Highway 16.

Registration starts at noon on Sunday, Sept. 18 and the ride begins at 1 p.m. Ulmer said all riders under 18 must wear helmets. If they don’t have one the club will provide one.

 

Greg Higgins is battlefordsNOW’s city municipal affairs and health reporter. He can be reached at ghiggins@jpbg.ca or tweet him @realgreghiggins.