Charity Wine Tour

17-18 October 2015

Raising funds for Alzheimers Assoc

by Maryanne Phillips

Wine and Horses were combined on a two day trek where riders followed the CY O'Connor Pipeline and Kep Trail, discovering the history, and staying overnight in Northam while raising much needed funds for the Alzheimers' Association WA.

The longest ride was 45km in a day, departing from Wooroloo Saturday 17 October 2015, following the trail to Bakers Hill where riders and horses rested and enjoyed morning tea or one of the infamous Bakers Hill Pies.  Riders continued to Avon Brook Winery in Clackline for lunch with some local wines.   They then continued along the trail riding to Avon Valley Equestrian Centre in Northam where yards or stables were provided for the horses, camping overnight before returning to Wooroloo the following day Sunday 18 October 2015. The shorter option of 20km began and ended each day at the Avon Brook Winery.

There was live music Saturday night plus a Fundraising Auction with fantastic  prizes, with raffles and auction items including overnight accommodation stays, to raise extra funds for Alzheimer's Association.  

The cost of the ride included all accomodation, food for both horses and riders, and transport. There were numerous checkpoints along the way offering water and/or refreshments. A medium level of fitness was needed for the 45km ride as it was a full day of riding, but the shorter option was only four hours at a steady walk/trot. All horses needed to be shod or wearing boots as there were rocky patches.

A total of $23,369 was raised for the Alzheimers Assoc and the organisers are planning more rides in the future.