Riding for a cause: Trail ride to raise funds for veterans

LA FERIA — Cowboys and cowgirls are saddling up later this month to raise money for veterans and people fighting cancer.

It’s a ride people have been participating in for more than five years and has helped make a difference in people’s lives.

“It’s an open ride to the public and anyone can come enjoy the ride,” said Roland Davila, Cowboys and Cowgirls with Faith Second Chance, event organizing member. “You can bring your own horse or ride the wagon.”

The group organizing the trail ride is Cowboys and Cowgirls with Faith Second Chance. The group was established in 2012 and has helped more than 10 to 20 people in the Valley.

“We do rides for any veterans who need help in any kind of way,” Roland said. “Whatever money we make its donated back to them.”

This year the group has a safe six-mile trail ride that will go though nearby back roads and farm roads in La Feria.

At the end of the ride everyone can enjoy a good meal for the cause.

“We do benefits for those who have cancer and people who need help,” Roxanne Salinas, secretary of the group. “We have been inviting people to trail ride with us and helping people by fundraising.”

The group’s most recent donation went to a cancer patient in March.

The annual event is the brainchild of Roy Perez.

Perez, the group president, organized the first trail ride to bring the community together to have fun while helping people at the same time.

“After my retirement from active duty I became involved with horses that led me to conduct trail rides for fundraisers,” Perez said.

He started by helping cancer patients and then expanded it to helping veterans.

“It’s an event where all veterans can come together, drink beer, enjoy horseback riding and be with other veterans and have fun and enjoy a good meal,” Perez said.