Buchanan residents raise money for local charity riding horses

Community members in Buchanan came together Sunday morning to raise money for a cause in a unique way.

The first-ever “Ride Against Hunger” event, a fundraiser where community members rode their horses through town, kicked off Sunday morning at 10 a.m. at the Buchanan Westerners Riding Club.

The Buchanan “Feed the Children” chapter paired with the RedBud Gypsies horse farm to raise money and awareness by hosting a ride-through Buchanan entirely on horseback.

Participants had the choice of riding their horses through a 5-mile, 8-mile or 16-mile route with pit stops along the way, including a trip through the Buchanan McDonald’s drive-thru on horseback.

More than 50 riders and their horses took part in the event and all proceeds benefit the local “Feed the Children” chapter.

Two young riders said the chance to go through a drive-thru on horseback was a fun bonus.

“We’re checking things off our bucket list now,” Caitlynn Harrell and Annmarie Hansen said before taking off on their ride.

The owner and operator of the Buchanan McDonald’s, Estephan Awad, said he was happy to be part of the event and was looking forward to handing out cookies to riders.

Cindy VanDyke, the secretary for the Buchanan “Feed the Children” board of directors, said the money raised in the event will greatly help feed children in the Buchanan area.