Some 20 horse-and-rider combinations braved the chilly, minus-degree temperatures on Sunday, November 9 to participate in the inaugural mounted Christmas toy ride in support of needy children in the Nicola Valley. Participants came from throughout the region — even as far away as Naramata.

The first-time event, which began and ended at the rodeo grounds in Collettville, was a joint venture of the newly-formed Merritt chapter of Back Country Horsemen and the Nicola Valley Riding Club.

Spokesperson Kelly Brook-Allen said the toy ride was a huge success with many donations of children’s toys, money and food bank items coming in.

“The riders all came back with smiles on their faces,” Brook-Allen said, “and we had many more people show up who didn’t actually ride but wanted to support the event. There are tons of toys for all ages, and boxes of food donations.

“I was very happy with the turn out on such short notice,” Brook-Allen added. “Next year, we’ll have way more notice, and maybe have it a week or two earlier so it isn’t quite so cold.”

Toys collected at the toy run will go to the local Christmas hamper program, administered by the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank.

Toys collected at the toy run will go to the local Christmas hamper program, administered by the Nicola Valley and District Food Bank.

Following the ride, a delicious lunch was served, with hot dogs and buns donated by Hidden Valley Rustic Horse Camp, located near Mamette Lake.

The Back Country Horsemen’s Merritt chapter is making its presence felt in the Nicola Valley. This past summer, it helped co-ordinate a major improvement project at Lundbom Lake, which saw 28 beautiful new paddocks created for horse lovers to enjoy.

“We have a grand re-opening ride planned for May 9 and 10 at Lundbom,” Brook-Allen said. “We even hope to get the mayor of Merritt out to do a ribbon cutting.”

The Merritt chapter has also won the right to host BCHBC’s 2015 Rendezvous on the June 5 to 7 weekend at the Collettville rodeo grounds.

“This will be only the second time it has been held in Merritt,” Brook-Allen said. “We can expect a couple of hundred riders and horses from the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan, the Cariboo and the Kootenays. There are 19 chapters province-wide.”

The 2014 Back Country Horsemen of BC Rendezvous was held in Maple Ridge.

BCHBC is a province-wide society with over 700 members. It offers a friendly atmosphere for those who interested in trail riding and packing.

The organization focuses on safety for horses and riders and environmental stewardship, along with trail building and maintenance. It is 100 per cent volunteer-run.