2008 Events

 

2008 Equine Foundation Ride

 

 

 

On the afternoon of June 1, 27 horses (including one pulling a buggy) made their way over the hills of Eldon Bienert’s property east of Leduc. The ride, expertly led by Karen Abel, featured a leisurely trip along the east shoreline of Coal Lake with scenic summertime views. 

The event started with trucks and trailers pulling into the spacious, grassy parking lot and everyone preparing their mounts. After the marshalling was complete the first part of the ride made a few loops through Eldon’s hills and forests and then headed up the road to a neighbour’s property where the horses and riders descended to the shore of the lake. There were frequent stops to provide stragglers time to catch up and for the rest to admire the scenery. After a brief tour of the shoreline, it was back up the hill and on to Eldon’s property again. For most, that is, since a few young ladies decided that the day was still young, the weather was fine and a little extra time in the saddle would be fun.  

Eventually even the delinquents made it back, though, and that was the signal for dinner. Hamburgers and beverages were supplied and everyone brought something for the potluck portion. Salads, fruit, vegetable trays and desserts were in abundance. There was something for everyone and no one went home hungry. Kudos go to neighbours Jean and Ross for their diligent work preparing the burgers. 

Some other riders arrived just before supper and thanks go to Cathy Hawkins and her motorcycle friends for their contribution to the cause. Draws were made after supper for door prizes (or should that be barn door prizes?), items generously donated by Eldon’s many friends and business contacts, including Schwab’s of Leduc. 

The cooler awarded to the rider with the most pledges went to Arlene McKenzie riding Chester. According to Arlene, this was the third such prize that the pair had won, including the previous Foundation Ride held on Eldon’s property in 2000. Ashton Palmerchuk won the Youth Award with the highest sponsorship for a Youth. 

The ride even attracted a pair of footsore paparazzi, ensuring an ample supply of pictures (still and moving) for anyone interested. 

When the final numbers were in, the event raised approximately $4,400.00, rumoured to be a record in Canada for this kind of ride. Way to go, Alberta!!!  

Thanks go to Eldon, Peggy and Sarah for all their efforts in organizing this event and making it event such a huge success. It couldn’t have happened without you. 

And to the many participants that stuck around at the end for cleanup duties:

Many Hands Made Short Work.  Thank You, Thank You, Thank You. 

It is not too late to be an Active Member and to make a donation to the Ride.  Send it to Eldon at: Site 4, Box 1, R.R. 2, LEDUC, AB T9E2X2.

Click here to see all the pictures.  Full-size (printable) image files for any picture are available from the website administrator (if you ask nicely). Please give photo credits when using these images.