Massachusetts Horse Benefit Pleasure Ride June 16

Montague, Massachusetts—June 1, 2007—Everything changed in an instant for Montague horsewoman Olivia ‘Pinnie’ Sears when a horseback riding accident April 11 on the Montague Plains left her face down on the ground in a mouthful of blood and unable to move her legs.  Sears sustained numerous injuries when her horse, Julio, apparently spooked and threw her, including losing her front teeth and breaking her back.

Massachusetts Horse magazine, where Sears is contributing Trail Guide columnist, is organizing a Benefit Pleasure Ride, Saturday, June 16 (rain date June 17), starting at 10 a.m. at Sand Hill Ranch, 374 Turners Falls Road, in Montague, MA, to help the lifelong horsewoman and Massachusetts 4-H judge get a leg-up on returning to a normal life.

The Massachusetts Horse Benefit Pleasure Ride will feature five- and ten-mile marked trails, lunch with live music, raffles, and special prizes for participants.  Valley Advocate Grand Band Slam favorites Scott Lawson, of Orange Crush, and Steve Sanderson, of The Drunk Stuntmen, have donated their talents to perform during the 1:00 p.m. lunch.

“Community response has been incredible,” says Massachusetts Horse publisher and editor, Stephanie Sanders-Ferris of Goshen.  “Thanks to the help of area businesses, raffle donations have been pouring in, including 25 bales of first- and second-cut hay, stall mats, shavings, an equine medical emergency kit, limited edition artwork, and a two-night stay at the Sugar Maple Inn in Northampton.”

Participation in the Benefit Pleasure Ride is $29 per adult and $19 per junior rider (includes ride and lunch) or $19 per non-rider (includes lunch and three raffle tickets). Pre-registration is appreciated to help volunteers coordinate lunch.

For Benefit Ride forms, directions, and details see www.mahorse.com, email stephsanders@crocker.com, or call the Massachusetts Horse main office at (413) 268-3302.