The 3rd Annual Moose Mountain Recoup and Release Fundraiser Trail Ride was held on Saturday, Sept. 22, and Sunday, Sept. 23. Based at Saskairie riders registered to ride and raised pledges for the wildlife rescue, which is run by Cheryl Winkler. Prizes were awarded to those who raised the most funds for the cause. Ray-Lynn Bax was the top pledge earner with $2,000, Gary McConnell came in second with $1,815, and Brynn Apple took third with $400.
The ride was planned by a dedicated group including Ray-Lynn Bax, Gary McConnell who was the trail boss and his wife Heather, Laura Dunn, Roxanne Apple, Ken Apple and Wendy Bax who catered the meals.
The weekend saw 70 people register, with a few unable to make it for both days. In total approximately 55 riders were able to come out for the trail ride, with a few people staying back at camp during the rides. There were a great number of people who attended from across the prairies with riders from Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba.
"It keeps getting bigger every year, which is great," Winkler exclaimed with great excitement.
This year she has tended to over 60 animals with more continuing to be brought to her in need of help. She will need to winter many of them depending on certain variables. For example, will a bird be back to health in order to migrate in time or will they need to stay the winter?
Saturday started with an early morning breakfast at 8 a.m. Many people deciding to bring their units out Friday night. The group left at 10 a.m. for their ride throughout the countryside, which was greatly enjoyed by all thanks to the wonderful fall scenery and beautiful fall day. Returning to the camp close to 4 p.m. the riders tended their horses and got ready to relax for the evening.
Along for the ride this year was a photographer from Weyburn. Cindy Bohem was out on the trail taking photos of riders and scenery as well as the awards and presentations following supper.
A steak supper was served at 5 p.m. during which raffle tickets were sold and a poker derby was hosted. The poker hands were sold as a 50/50, with the highest hand receiving half the money raised and the rest going to the wildlife rescue.
There were a great many auction items available for the group to enjoy. Donations of items came from a number of businesses and individuals who hoped to help the wildlife rescue.
"There were lots of sponsors this year, which we greatly appreciate. There are many giving people in the community and surrounding communities," Ray-Lynn stated.
People were able to register for either a one or a two-day trail ride. Sunday saw the group able to sleep in a bit with breakfast beginning at 9 a.m. The ride left at 11 a.m. returning by 3 p.m. Again the animals were watered and fed before an early supper was served at 4 p.m.
It was another beautiful day for riding, a relaxing time for rider and horse to come together for a post-harvest trail ride.
"We would like to thank the land owners for allowing us to use their land including Saskairie, Moose Mountain Provincial Park, Shirley Scarrow, Richie and Grace Robertson, and Wayne Hirtle," Bax said.
Overall they were able to raise $7,200 for Moose Mountain Recoup and Release as well as $300 to be given to Saskairie for use of their facility. A great wildlife rehabilitation centre focused on the release of animals, nursed to health, back into the wild where they are able to thrive.
