Cowboys and cowgirls saddle up to help out

By Natalie Bednorz

Kind-hearted is not a word frequently associated with tough cowboys and cowgirls, but that’s just what these trail riders are.

Every year for the past 22 years, cowboys and cowgirls saddle up their horses in March for the Children’s Hospital Trail Ride raising money for theChristus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital in San Antonio. The trail ride, which begins nine miles west of Falls City, Texas, has collected over $637, 500 in donations for the hospital, benefiting children in 90 South Texas counties.

The founders of the Children’s Hospital Trail Ride met through South Texas Trail Riders, Inc., though the two trail rides are not directly associated.

Pumpkin Culpepper, 2008 trail ride sweetheart and one of the original founders, is pleased to see donations increase every year.

“I believe the first year we got started we raised around $8, 000,” said Culpepper. “This year alone we have collected over $44,000 in donations. “

The trail riders begin raising money in October and continue through March when the trail ride takes place.

Lupe Valdez, vice president and trail boss of the trail ride, is in charge of the team-roping event in Adkins, Texas, which also raises money for the Children’s Hospital Trail Ride. He says team ropers compete for buckles, saddles and prize money.

"We saw a need and decided to fill it,” said Valdez. “This is a creative and fun way for all of us to chip in and be a part of something great.”

Most of the money raised comes from donations trail riders contribute when registering for the ride. Trail riders can also participate in a live auction after the trail ride where they can bid on donated items such as horses, saddles and feed supplies with all proceeds benefiting the Christus Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital.

Vernon Blocker, president of the Children’s Hospital Trail Ride, says the event takes hard work and months of careful planning to be successful.

“This year we have about 150 volunteers donating their time to make this event happen,” said Blocker. “We want to make sure we raise as much money as we can and that all of it gets to those children who need it most.”

The Children’s Hospital Trail Ride is not all about hard work, these cowboys and cowgirls like to have a good time too. To relax after the long ride, the trail riders end the evening with a dance and an open bar.

Jarred Pollard, 25, has been participating in the trail ride with his family since he was three years old. The dance is his favorite part of the trail ride.

“I like to grab a beer, relax and listen to some good music,” said Pollard. “Do you know what it’s like to be stuck on a horse all day?”

The trail ride dance cost $6 to attend is open to the public. All the proceeds also benefit the Santa Rosa Children’s Hospital.

At 1:00 a.m. the lights at the Falls City Hall are turned off and the music goes silent. All the tired cowboys and cowgirls head home.

The Children’s Hospital Trail Ride has come to an end, but sadly, many South Texas children are only beginning their battles with life-threatening conditions. Fortunately, these children have some kind-hearted, but tough cowboys and cowgirls to help them win their fight against childhood illnesses.