Calling all riders, volunteers, family and friends past and present, to support SIRE’s life-changing therapeutic horsemanship at the CGG 21st Annual Saddle Up! for SIRE Ride-a-thon and Family Carnival, Saturday October 19th. Participants can roam 40 miles of equestrian trails through the 1,100 gently rolling acres of 7iL Trails in Cat Spring, Texas. No horse? No worries! Everyone will enjoy a barbecue lunch, live music, line dancers and costumed characters, family carnival, petting zoo, and a live crocodiles from “The Crocodile Experience.” It should be a great family day just a short drive west of Houston.

Fox 26 News anchor Don Teague will be announcing the winners for best fundraiser, best costume, best hard-luck story and more. To participate, visit www.sire-htec.org. Attendance isn’t necessary to support SIRE’s 220 riders, 30% more than last year. Visit http://www.firstgiving.com/SIRE and sign up to gather pledges or support SIRE clients who are doing the same. 

In addition, volunteers are needed for set up Friday and to assist with parking, the carnival and more on the day of the event Saturday, October 19th. Email [email protected] to volunteer or for assistance.

Therapeutic horsemanship enables people with disabilities to enjoy activities considered out of reach, allowing riders to “Ride Beyond.” As one rider herself says, “Riding makes me feel free.” And riders gain in strength, flexibility, and confidence as well. Just imagine the sense of accomplishment gained by the 45 SIRE riders who won 167 awards at the Houston Rodeo’s Top Hands Horse Show or the 30 riders who won 53 medals at the 2013 Special Olympics. 

Tuition pays only 20% of the costs. The CGG Saddle Up! for SIRE Ride-a-thon provides most of SIRE’s special event income for the fall. 

See SIRE’s website,  www.sire-htec.org, for more information about events and opportunities or email Sabrina Strawn, SIRE’s development director at [email protected].