It’s well known that there is a healing power in the relationship between a human and a horse. The KIDS Foundation supports children left differently abled through trauma and injury and their annual fundraiser, Tour d’Horse, brings those kids and families together for a meaningful endurance challenge on horseback symbolising resilience and recovery.
The idea came from KIDS Foundation CEO Dr Susie O’Neill OAM who lost her granddaughter Bella in 2021. In the midst of profound grief, a trail ride Susie did with her family became a powerful moment of connection and healing.
Recognising the therapeutic impact horses could have in times of trauma, Susie used her experience to create Tour d’Horse – a six day endurance ride in the Upper Hunter where riders undertake 200 kilometres on horseback on private countryside hosted by Belltrees Station.
While the riders are out raising funds and awareness, a transformational program for young survivors is run at Gundy called Camp TANGO.
Anto White, sixth generation farmer at Belltrees has been part of Tour d’Horse since the start.
“Susie came to me about four years ago – we had an asset where my son Alec had polo ponies and we’re contracted to Racing NSW so we had retrained thoroughbreds. Getting involved and seeing what it means and seeing what it does for these kids, it gives them a new life, it’s just inspirational.
“Look at someone like Matt Thiele who has been with the KIDS Foundation for over ten years. When he was young, he would lock himself in a room because kids would call him a monster. Now he talks in front of people and shares his story and has his own business. That is truly inspiring.
“The reward for us to be part of it is enormous,” Anto said.
Tour d’Horse attracted some amazing support his year with Olympians Ariarne Titmus and Amanda Ross, champion trainer Sam Freedman, Paralympian Emma Booth, ex-Geelong AFL footballer Tom Hawkins’ wife Emma rode, and Australian country music artist James Johnston.
The kids also had the opportunity to visit Coolmore horse stud and the Scone Equestrian Centre where they had the opportunity to get on the back of a horse themselves, no matter what their ability.
“How good it was for us to come and watch the kids ride, I think it’s a special thing and an amazing effort for the kids to get on the horses – it was unbelievable,” said Anto.
Susie said they couldn’t be more grateful to the Upper Hunter community and its support.
“To the wider Upper Hunter community, thank you for welcoming us so warmly, for backing this event, and for the role you play in making it what it is. The connection to this region is something we value deeply.”
While Tour d’Horse is over for another year, you can bet planning is underway for the 2027 event and the KIDS Foundation is continuing its incredible work providing a safe space for children and families through trauma recovery programs, camps and preventative safety education.
Image caption: Tom Hawkins with the kids at Scone Equestrian Centre. Image credit: Nicole Cleary.
