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New Hampshire Horse & Trail Association Show May 11-13, 2012 Deerfield, NH PHoToS: STan PHaneuf
hollis area equestrians Host Trail Ride to Benefit St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital By cHriSTine STanizzi
Sunday, May 6, 2012 May have been the day after the Kentucky derby, but for the hollis area equestrians (hae) and the children of St. Jude it was a win-win situation for all. early in February, Linda Statkus, of hollis, nh, was called by a representative of St. Jude Children’s Research hospital to host an equestrian fundraiser for the kids. The hospital’s needs are great in their quest for cures for childhood cancer and their unquestioning support for children from all income brackets. Being an avid trail rider with her half draft, Forrest Gump, and her off-thetrack Thoroughbred, vinny, Statkus decided to take on the challenge of planning the ride from start to finish. This entailed every little detail from plotting the best trails to explore, including a 5-,
10-, and 15-mile loop, to fine tuning the smaller details, such as a fun and free raffle made possible by very generous local merchants. as all the details pulled together, Hollis Area Equestrians head out on the trails. the only thing left was prayers for generosity of dunkin donuts and snacks sunny skies after a week of much and lunch were sold in support of St. needed rain. On May 6, the day dawned Jude. Several passersby walked in to to be ideal for the event with some sun, some clouds, and temperatures no higher inquire about hae and gladly reached into their pockets to donate to St. Jude than 70 degrees; perfect for both horse as well. Sixty three riders who checked and rider. at 7:30 a.m. trailers began to pull in to Silver Lake State Park in hollis, in to explore the beautiful trails were afforded a wonderful day with their fournh, from all over new hampshire and legged friends. neighboring states. Riders came in, not Thanks to Linda Statkus and her only to accumulate mileage, but there troupe of hae volunteers, everyone were also many who just came to enjoy came out a winner—riders, participants, a stroll through the picturesque trails and most importantly, the children of abutting the park. In the morning, coffee St. Jude. and doughnuts were free thanks to the July 2012
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