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Saddle up to help battle heart disease
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A chance to have fun and help hearts will come around Sept. 17, as the Hearts & Horses Fun Day is held at Triple A Arena on Harville Road in Statesboro.

The event has something to offer horseback riders as well as non-riders, with children’s attractions and games, equestrian events, a silent auction and more, said organizer Holli Deal Bragg. All proceeds will go to the American Heart Association.

Local riders Donna and Rick Parker made a commitment months ago to attend the 30th Annual American Heart Association Beach Ride in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

In an effort to help them raise a significant donation to take with them to the ride, Hearts & Horses, a division of local private equine rescue group Coyote Creek Equine Rescue, held a moonlight trail ride in August. In spite of rain, the effort raised a small amount through a handful of dedicated riders who waited out the storm.

The Hearts & Horses Fun Day is “part two” of the event, Bragg said.

“We hope to raise a significant amount of money for the American Heart Association and have the Parkers take a sizable donation with them to the beach ride,” she said. “Everyone knows someone or has even been affected personally by heart disease. We feel this is a worthy cause and hope the community, even non-riders, will come out and have fun with us.”

The day will begin at 10 a.m., with a basket weave race, followed by pole bending, she said.

Food available will include fish dinners, hot dogs and hamburgers, chips, French fries, home baked goods and other snack items.

“We thank the community for their support in this effort,” Bragg said.  “Harold Aldrich has been generous in allowing us to use his arena, and many others have donated items, money or services that make this possible.”

Checks should be made out to the American Heart Association. Admission of $10 allows riders to enter all events, while non-riders may participate for $5 donation, she said.

Anyone with questions or who would like to donate baked goods, food or other supplies, volunteer to help or make a monetary donation may call Bragg at (912) 482-8015 or Donna Parker at (912) 690-8639.