APHA and Benbrook Stables
‘Saddle Up for St. Jude’ and raise $18,000

FORT WORTH, TEXAS—More than 130 equestrians rode for a cause May 3, when they joined the American Paint Horse Association and Benbrook Stables for their second annual “Saddle Up! for St. Jude” benefit trail ride and auction in Benbrook, Texas. The group raised more than $18,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats and find cures for children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses. Over the past two years, APHA has partnered with Benbrook Stables to raise more than $30,000 for the children of St. Jude’s.

APHA President-elect John Corbin and his wife, Joanne, traveled 700 miles from Colorado Springs, Colo., to attend the “APHA Saddle Up! for St. Jude” Trail Ride. Courtesy APHA/Jessica Hein © 2008. Hirez JPEG (1.03 mb) Hirez JPEG (6.52 mb)

Texas State Representative Dan Barrett attended the “APHA Saddle Up! for St. Jude” Trail Ride at Benbrook Stables on May 3. He brought a flag that flew over the State Capital in Austin, Texas, which was auctioned after the ride. In all, the ride and auction raised over $18,000 for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Courtesy APHA/Jessica Hein © 2008. Hirez JPEG (2.39mb)

Molly and Steve Thomson, owners of Benbrook Stables, accepted an award from the American Paint Horse Association for recruiting riders and volunteers, and donating use of their facility for two consecutive years, for the "Saddle Up! for St. Jude" Trail Ride. Over those two years, APHA and Benbrook Stables have raised more than $30,000 for the pediatric hospital and its research. Courtesy APHA/Jessica Hein © 2008. Hirez JPEG (2.29 mb)

Riders came on different mounts, even “steel horses.” Motorcycle riders included (from left) Robert Owens, Tracy Madison and Homer Nelson. Courtesy APHA/Tracy Madison © 2008. Hirez JPEG (2.96 mb)

Oklahoma Paint Horse Club President Kevin Hardcastle, left delivered a check for $2,000 at APHA’s recent “Saddle Up! for St. Jude” Trail Ride. Trail Boss Bob Ray Sanders of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram gladly accepted the check on behalf of APHA. Courtesy APHA/Jessica Hein © 2008. Hirez JPEG (2.29 mb)

Riders enjoyed the beautiful scenery around Lake Benbrook, just southwest of Fort Worth, Texas, for APHA’s recent “Saddle Up! for St. Jude” Trail Ride. Courtesy APHA/Jessica Hein © 2008. Hirez JPEG (9.01 mb) more photos