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