Travelling from ‘Springsure FarmAbility’ near Copeton Dam to Bingara, the 50 kilometre trip started yesterday.

Springsure FarmAbility owner Annabel Archer said the jackaroos at Springsure had the idea to do a sponsored ride to bring awareness of the abilities of people with additional needs.

“Instead of one day, we are doing international week for people with abilities. 

“Due to the generosity of people along the Keera Valley we have an idyllic spot on the Gwydir River to set up a camp and have arranged for the horses to be yarded at various properties at the end of each days ride,” she said.

There are ten riders from Inverell and Armidale involved, along with many support crew to make it a week to remember.

“Springsure FarmAbility is a business that gives people with additional needs or mental health issues the opportunity to interact with the animals, ride horses or just enjoy sitting on the cabin veranda in tranquillity watching the goings on.

“We have been operating with great success for nearly eight years now, and still loving it! Thank you very much to the businesses in Inverell that we deal with who, have also been very generous in their sponsorship, as have family and friends.

“It has helped enormously. This is a liberating and inspiring experience for us all and Redgum are even playing for us in Bingara.”

So far clients and staff have had a hot journey to Bingara but cooling off with their horses in the river after a full day of riding has been a lot of fun.

“Everyone is having the best time. It’s a fairly long way for the horses and participants so we’re thinking of holding this every two years,” she said.