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| Me (left) Riding Sonny and Lynda (right) |
We all have a bucket list of rides we want to go to and places we want to ride at. This November I got to check one of those rides off my bucket list. My friends and I went to the 35th Annual American Heart Association Beach Ride in Myrtle Beach, SC.
The American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a national, voluntary health organization that was founded in 1924. Building healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke is the mission of the AHA by 20% while reducing deaths from cardiovascular diseases by 20% by 2020.
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| A beautiful picture I was lucky to take the morning of Veteran's Day |
History of the Beach Ride
Back in 1981 a man by the name of Jack Monroe started the "Ride-A-Thon" or Beach Ride as its called now. That first year there were only 20 riders. That number has now grown over 2,000 participants annually making the Beach Ride the largest trail ride in South Carolina. The Beach Ride has helped fund over $4 million of research and educational projects for the American Heart Association. Mr. Monroe's many years of leadership in the community and for the AHA is now recognized with the Jack Monroe Service Award. Thank you Mr. Jack Monroe for all your hard work.
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| Lynda Shackelford and her Morgan horse Spirit. |
About the Ride
This is the only time folks can now ride on Myrtle Beach, SC anymore. The 35th Annual American Heart Association Beach Ride took place November 9-13th at Lakewood Camping Resort. The campground is oceanfront and opens up once a year to horses. The campground has full hook ups and even WiFi! Lol! You get to camp with your horse on your campsite. I would say must people need to get panels to put horses in because some sites do not have trees to high tie too. You can also ride from your campsite right out to the beach.
This is a fun filled five day event. This year there was a poker run, a parade and costume contest, clinics on the beach, an obstacle challenge, food, vendors, karaoke, nighty entertainment, an auction and on Saturday there is the 20 mile beach ride and awards ceremony that night.
Riders work hard all year to raise money to go to this ride. Riders must raise a minimum of $150 to attend. My friends and I did stuff like ask family, friends, businesses, have a bake sale, sell things we make and I did pictures for donations. These are just a few ways to raise money. There are many, many more ways to raise money for this great cause and event.
My Friends and I
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| Broke Ass Folks Saddle Club riding down the beach. |
In our group we had 3 Superstar Riders, Lynda Shackelford, Mike Stewart, and myself, Leesa Wright. Lynda and I rode in the parade with some of the other Superstar riders. ( Superstar riders are riders who have raised over $1000 in donations. )
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| From left: Amanda Helmick, Ericka Tally and Anissa Anderson. |
Adam Crane and Lynda tried their hand at the obstacle challenge that was set up on the beach. And we all rode on the beach. I even went swimming when my colt Sonny got scared by a wave and unseated me. Sorry, there are no pictures of that. Lol!!
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| Dwayne Wright (my husband ) and Me |
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| Me and Sonny after I went swimming!! |
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| My husband, My life, My why, Dwayne riding his horse Tucker |
For more information please contact
Sara Nelson, director
