High Country Pleasure Riders – Lawrence Fundraiser

A huge thank you goes to the Julene McCorkindale for organising this fundraising ride in March 2020 to support the Rescue Helicopters. The ride raised over $2,000 and follows on the fundraising ride organised last year by the Pleasure Riders near Mosgiel.

Julene said “it was a pleasure to organise”, and as a former ambulance officer for 15 years, noted that “I know, from personal experience, how critical you guys are” The ride was very well supported by sponsors…particularly from the rural sector.

The High Country Pleasure Riders was established in 1999 and is the largest horse-trekking club in the South Island. The club has an annual calendar of weekend horse treks throughout the high country. They are a true example of Kiwis’ living their life to the fullest as they get out and explore.

Fortunately the club has not had a lot of accidents, but as horses can be flighty animals, occasionally they are more exciting than they are meant to be. They often ride in remote locations, up to about 5,000 feet in the mountains, crossing rivers, down steep rocky faces, camping for days sometimes and as they are dealing with large horses weighing about 500 kg, there is always the chance things can go wrong.

The group carry a first aid kit for people and one for horses, plus a locator beacon in case of emergency.