1,200km Ride for Hope

Hope Reins founder Kylie Read starts 1,200km Ride for Hope from Gympie to Longreach.

Kylie Read admits she is not really into riding horses, but there is a good reason the equine therapy expert will be seated in a saddle for the next nine bum-bruising weeks.

“From the age of two to 16, I was on a horse’s back every day and I actually think I’m probably here because of the horses that I’ve had in my life,” Ms Read said.

“I tend not to ride very much but I love hanging out with horses. I love training them, helping sort out problems they may have.”

For the past decade Ms Read and her friend Ruth Polley have worked to create a place where horses and humans can have fun and heal from trauma, anxiety, stress, depression and a lack of confidence.

In 2010, sponsored by the Pickle Foundation, the women established Hope Reins, an hour north-west of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

The charity rescues neglected and abused horses and offers them a safe and caring home, using them to create connections with people, to help them feel loved, worthwhile and accepted.

Key points:

• Kylie Read is riding from Gympie to Longreach
• The 1,200km trip is expected to take nine weeks
• The ride is raising awareness of mental health and funds for Hope Reins and Outback Futures

Source
ABC Rural News