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Saddle Up St. Jude trail ride this weekend
Saddling up
The Fourth Annual Saddle Up St. Jude Bulloch County trail ride will be held Saturday and Sunday at Clark Farms near Portal. The trail ride benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats children with critical diseases regardless of their family’s ability to pay for the medical attention, said coordinator Holli Deal Bragg. - photo by Herald File
    The Fourth Annual Saddle Up St. Jude Bulloch County trail ride will be held Saturday and Sunday at Clark Farms near Portal.
    This year is the first year the ride includes a camping opportunity for riders who wish to participate in both days’ rides, said coordinator Holli Deal Bragg.
    The trail ride benefits St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, which treats children with critical diseases regardless of their family’s ability to pay for the medical attention, she said.
    “If a family has no insurance, St. Jude never asks for payment,” she said. “Children suffering from cancer and other debilitating diseases are treated, regardless of  their family’s financial situation.”
    All proceeds from the trail ride will go to St. Jude, and the ride is sponsored by businesses and individuals who donate items for the meals and auction.
    Riders will hit the trail Saturday at 3 p.m. and meander through woods and farmland before returning to camp for a barbecued chicken dinner, entertainment by C&C Mobile DJ (music and karaoke) and an auction of items donated by local individuals and businesses, Bragg said.
    Those who choose to do so will camp at Clark Farms. Riders will take to the  trails again Sunday morning after breakfast, riding a different route,  and return to the farm for lunch. The cost of the ride is $20 for both days, $15 for one day’s ride and meals, or $10 to just come and enjoy the entertainment and supper.
    Overnight stays will be a dry camp, but water is available (bring your own bucket) and portable toilets are on site.
    Items donated for auction include a “rated PG” Passion Parties basket, horse tack and grooming supplies, western art picture frames, Park Lane jewelry, baked goods, and more. Auction proceeds go to St. Jude as well.
    Kids will enjoy picking their own strawberries and visiting the pot-bellied pigs at Clark Farms. Strawberries are ripe and will be available for sale, said Al Clark, owner of the organic farm.
    All horses must have proof of a negative Coggins test, and children must be accompanied by an adult.
    Directions to Clark Farm from Statesboro:  Take U.S. 80 West through Portal, then go about five miles west of Portal. Look for Clark Farm Road on left. Turn onto that road, go about a mile (see signs, can’t miss the farm).
    Directions from Swainsboro or Twin City:  Take U.S. 80 from Twin City, pass intersection of U.S. 121, go about three miles, look for Clark Farm Road on right (see signs).
    From Millen, take Hwy. 121, turn left at U.S. 80, go about three miles, turn right on Clark Farm Road.
    From Metter, take Portal-Metter Highway, turning left onto Hendricks Road just before reaching the Bulloch County line. Take first available right turn, go straight about a mile.
    For more information contact Bragg at 489-9414 or 865-2352, or by e-mail at hbragg@statesboroherald.net.    

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