The 2015 Ride-A-Thon Recap

For the second year in a row, the VTRA Ride-a-thon was held at the Elk and Beaver Lake Equestrian Centre. 22 horseback riders set out on the varied 9.5km course, which included meadows, rocky sections, a bridge crossing, and a half way point stocked with treats and water. Back a the start line, Laura Foxgord was running a Trail competition, which participants were welcome to try. In the trail test, riders complete a variety of functional tasks while mounted on their horse, including, opening gates, passing obstacles, and following patterns. While the horses were taking part in the ride-a-thon and trail competition, walkers were doing a walk-a-thon. Walkers followed a lovely 5km course along the lake, which brought them back to the Equestrian Centre at the end.

The youngest of volunteers were there: they ran a concession for lunch (with the help of one or two grown-ups), providing hotdogs, drinks, and snacks; and Brownies cleaned up after horses. Dedicated volunteers helped out in so many ways – from setting up, to selling food and raffle tickets, to registration. There was a job for everyone! Thank you to everyone that came out to ride, and to each volunteer that helped out that day! Through your efforts, and the generous donations of our sponsors, we were able to raise $8,000!

The ride-a-thon success was made possible thanks to many sponsors and supporters including:

• Starbucks Coffee
• Millstream Market

And our tee shirt sponsors, which included

• Coast Capital Savings
• Island Savings
• Peninsula Coop
• Buckerfields
• Scott Vannan
• Zanzibar
• My Chosen Cafe
• Access
• Garry Oak Veterinary Hospital
• Swiftsure Equine Vet Services
• Downs Construction
• Garth Homer Foundation
• Don Mann Excavating
• Bosley’s Royal Oak
• Advanced Connection Equine and Canine Therapy
• Brentwood Bay Tribal School
• Team Sales

More shirts will be available for sale in the fall.