Riders and horses in the pink for breast cancer foundation

ABOUT 100 riders gathered on the weekend of October 10-11 for Tweed Valley Equestrian Group’s annual Breast Cancer Foundation fundraiser.

Committee member Angela Beresford said riders and their supporters travelled from as far as Warwick and Coffs Harbour for the dressage and show-jumping competition, held at Murwillumbah Showground on Saturday and Sunday.

Ms Beresford said both humans and equines took on the pink theme of the day.

“There were some painted horses,” she said.

“I don’t think there was a single person who wasn’t wearing something pink.”

Ms Beresford said while they were still calculating the funds raised, it appeared to be about $13,000.

In the seven years the event has run, Ms Beresford said it had gradually gained momentum.

She said raising money for breast cancer research was something close to the organisers’ hearts.

“The main organiser’s mum has battled breast cancer,” she said. “My mum and grandmother were both affected by it.

“Everyone ... knows someone who’s affected by breast cancer.

“I like to think every dollar helps and ... when we give money to them (the Breast Cancer Foundation), it goes to the right place.”

Ms Beresford said even RV campers at the showground supported the fundraiser. In 2011, the event took out the Tweed Shire Council Community Event of the Year award. From previous events, the equestrian group had raised more than $38,000 for breast cancer research.