Ride for Life

Saddle up and 'Ride for Life' with the pink posse!

Hundreds of horseriders hoofed it to Fawkham in Kent in June for the pinkest date in the equine calendar.

They saddled up for the Ride for Life – a 10 mile off-road ride to raise money for Cancer Research UK. Everyone – from the riders to the horses – was in pink!

Women, children and a few brave men and boys, were pretty in pink while their mounts sported pink manes, tails and accessories. Some horses were even sprayed pink for the occasion.

More than 350 took part in the ride at Speedgate Farm, Fawkham. Last year, at the inaugural Ride for Life, 160 riders raised £9,000. This year they are hoping to double that amount.

The inspiration behind the event

Nicky Barnes, 24, assistant manager at Speedgate Saddlery, who organised last year’s event with colleagues Joanna Chilcott and Jenny Cook and manager Joy Weavers, said:

“Several of us here had taken part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life because cancer is so close to everyone - we all know someone who has been affected.

“Because we work with horses, it seemed a natural progression to do something with them.

“When we organised last year’s event, we never envisaged how popular it would be but people loved the idea and it just took off.

“This place was a sea of pink on the day, there was a great atmosphere and of course we were raising money for something really worthwhile.”

The saddlery awarded prizes for the pinkest horse and rider in several age and group categories and there was a prize for the most sponsorship raised. All participants also received a goodie bag.

If you are interested in organising your own ‘pink’ event request a fundraising pack now!