Horse Ride for Hope – A 1200km Journey Across Queensland to Harness Connection and Wellbeing
In early April, Kylie and three of her trusty steads will set off on a 1200-kilometre journey from Gympie to Longreach.
“It is the biggest ride I have ever done, and it’s reminiscent of our pioneering past, but I reckon by Day 3 in the saddle I will be in pain and tears,” laughs Kylie, the co-founder of Hope Reins, a Gympie-based, not-for-profit that fosters healing connections between rescue horses and people who are hurting.
The aim of the epic ride is to connect and hear stories from individuals and communities about overcoming the challenges and struggles of everyday life, while also raising money for mental health and wellbeing programs.
“Connection has become such an important part of our health and wellbeing and something we need to give intentional focus to, particularly following COVID,” says Kylie.
“The Horse Ride for Hope is taking what we do at Hope Reins, through building positive relationships between horses and people, and expanding it on a wider scale.”
Kylie estimates it will take 9 weeks to complete the 1200-kilometre trip, which will pass through many small towns including Nanango, Condamine, Mitchell, Tambo, Blackall, and Isisford before finishing in Longreach.
Community events are planned for many of the towns enroute to mark the journey.
“In Nanango the CWA will provide big pots of stew and we’ll sit around a campfire to hear stories of hope,” says Kylie.
“And in the Condamine area, an event will support and raise awareness for a suicide prevention network.
“We want to hear from people and capture their stories to inspire others with how overcoming our struggles brings hope.
“Even the horses I am taking have stories of overcoming struggles to be a part of this ride.
While she will share the riding between the three horses to give them rest days, Kylie says her biggest challenge will be sitting in the saddle almost every day for 9 weeks, as well as not having a hot shower after a long day.
“I’m sure there will be times of doubt,” admits Kylie. “But I am also very aware of the amazing journey it will be and the privilege of meeting with people along the way.”
Funds raised from The Horse Ride for Hope will assist Hope Reins, which is completely donor-funded and receives no government support, to deliver its programs to care for rescued horses and humans who need help. Not-for-profit Outback Futures, which provides allied health services for people and communities in remote Queensland, will also be a beneficiary of the ride.
Donations can be made at www.hopereins.org.au/ride-for-hope/#donate.
Ends
Media Contact:
Ruth Polley, Co-founder, Hope Reins
M: 0400 484 004
E: ruth@hopereins.org.au
W: www.hopereins.org.au/ride-for-hope
| Date | Location | Event |
| Saturday, 1 April | Gympie | Bush Dance fundraising event |
| Sunday, 2 April | Gympie | Depart Gympie |
| Saturday, 8 April | Nanango | Stories of Hope around the campfire |
| Tuesday, 11 April | Kumbia | |
| Thursday, 13 April | Jandowee | |
| Sunday, 16 April | Brigalow | |
| Friday, 21 April | Condamine | Sharing Hope at Pioneer Park |
| Sunday, 23 April | Moraby | |
| Tuesday, 25 April | Warkon | |
| Thursday, 27 April | Tingun | |
| Friday, 28 April | Roma | |
| Wednesday, 3 May | Mitchell | Hope High Tea at Great Artesian Spa |
| Sunday, 7 May | Morven | |
| Wednesday, 10 May | Augathella | |
| Monday, 15 May | Tambo | |
| Thursday, 18 May | Blackall | |
| Friday, 26 May | Isisford | Sheep and Wool Show |
| Monday, 29 May | Ilfracombe | |
| Tuesday, 30 May | Longreach | |
| Saturday, 3 June | Longreach | Hope In Action at Longreach Showgrounds |
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