Happy Trails Ride-A-Thon
Benefits Children with Disabilities

The 12th annual Ride-A-Thon to benefit MACH 1 (Move a Child Higher) was held Sunday, November 2nd at Rose Bowl Riders in the Hahamongna Watershed Park.

MACH 1 thanks the many friends and volunteers who participated. 35 riders came from Flintridge Riding Club, MACH 1, Rose Bowl Riders, Equestrian Trails, Inc., Interscholastic Equestrian League,  El Monte Police, San Dimas Equestrian Center and many other friends.

Three types of trail rides were offered to riders who collected pledges.  The one-hour trail ride took place on the adjacent Arroyo Seco trails led by trail guides K T Ginzton and Sue Lafferty. Two extended trail rides were available for experienced riders.  Patty Sue  Jones led intermediate riders along a more advanced system of trails in the arroyo.  Tom Lockhart guided riders along the Arroyo Seco trails to the Rose Bowl. Many thanks to the expert trail guides for making all three rides fun and safe.  

After the trail rides, the event showcased many of the MACH 1 children demonstrating their skills as they rode through the Halloween Pumpkin Patch in the main arena.  A barbeque lunch followed.  Thanks to program volunteer Lourinda Bray who prepared and donated all the side dishes and dessert as well as providing soft drinks and ice. Thanks also to program Dad Jay Eby and MACH 1 volunteer John Flanders for their grilling skills.  Special thanks to Tom Sawyer Camp for allowing us to use their experienced horses on the trail rides and to the City of Pasadena for their co-sponsorship of
MACH 1.

Raffle ticket sales were a big success offering a choice of three ride-themed prizes:  Disneyland, a sunrise Temecula balloon ride or a police car ride along with the Pasadena Police.  A silent auction and sale table added to the fundraising success.

MACH 1 is a non-profit, therapeutic riding program for children with disabilities.  It serves children from all over the San Gabriel Valley.  Community members interested in donating, volunteering or participating in the MACH 1 program are asked to contact MACH 1 at 626-798-1222 or joymach1@yahoo.com.   Please visit the MACH 1 website at www.moveachildhigher.org for all the latest news and photos.