Saturday October 26, 2024
Fergus Ride for
** rain or shine **
Registration
You will need to download the Registration and Waiver documents, fill out and send back to the organizer (via email) as instructed in the Guidelines that go with the Registration form. Creating a PDF of the scanned completed forms would likely be easiest.
Please reserve your ride by registering online by October 19, 2024; instructions are in the Registration document. Space is limited – register early to avoid disappointment. Your additional pledges are due the week before the event, October 19, 2024. Please download and use the Pledge Sheet (PDF) below.
Please note: no cash, cheques or credit cards will be accepted the day of the event. No refund policy. All proceeds go to Hospice Wellington as this is a fundraiser.
SEE YOU AT THE CHECK-IN FROM 8:30-10:30 AM – October 26, 2024.
We ride out at 11 am sharp. Rain or Shine, we ride for Hospice Wellington!
THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING HOSPICE WELLINGTON – WE REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!!
Registration Form & Guidelines
Download the 2024 Registration Form & Guidelines (PDF). One registration per rider.
Waiver
Download the 2024 Waiver (PDF). Please submit with the Registration Form.
Pledge Sheet
Download the 2024 Pledge Sheet (PDF).
Flyer
Download the 2024 Flyer (PDF).
Can’t Participate But Want To Donate?
OUR SPONSORS:
Our Story
On October 16, 2017, Lynn Smillie and her family lost James Smillie, aged 83, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Jim, Lynn’s father, had a passion for many things in life, his favourites being hockey and fishing. He loved hockey so much that he played with the Chippawa Old Stars, until he was 83. Jim also had a long history of volunteerism and aiding those in need of help.
Jim played an important role in Lynn’s decision to purchase Noah, her white Percheron horse. At the time, Noah lived in Niagara, close to Jim’s home. Every time she visited Noah, trying to decide if he was the right horse for her, Noah always showed particular affection to Jim. The decision was made to bring Noah home in January 2015, and to this day Lynn says it was the best decision ever made with her father’s help.
After Jim’s passing, Lynn and her husband Peter founded Hooves for Hospice, in October 2018, in Jim’s memory and in support of Hospice Wellington. His memory lives on through this annual fundraising event supported by many loyal volunteers, generous sponsors and gracious landowners.
Hooves for Hospice is now in its 6th year, thanks to strong continued support in our community. In 2023, we raised over $10,800 for Hospice Wellington, and we hope to surpass that goal this year. The funds raised go towards supplies for the Hospice Wellington kitchen, for the families supporting their loved ones.
We hope you enjoy your ride and help us carry on Jim’s memory of gentle kindness.
James Smillie
Hospice Cheque Photo 2023
Hospice Wellington’s Phil Gourlay and Pat Stuart, and organizers Lynn Smillie and Peter Creighton
RIDER TESTIMONIALS:
One of my favorite fall days- I have attended the last few years and will always plan to attend! A great day of comradery and fall colors for a wonderful cause- Hospice Wellington in Guelph.
From the gorgeous properties we ride on- special bag piper send off- amazing chilli served by the fabulous volunteers from the Hospice- right down to the cozy port-o-let in one of the fields for us all! Lol.
A super friendly bunch of riders and a great event that Lynn puts tireless hours into organizing. All riders welcome- all levels- its just a great fall day in the Country not to be missed!!
Hooves for Hospice is a wonderful fundraising charitable event for Hospice Wellington that I have had the pleasure of participating in for several years. It is a fantastic day of riding for equestrians and their equine partners on several beautiful neighbouring farms.
A first- class event hosted by Lynn Smillie and Peter Creighton that is topped off with a hot catered meal and swag bag for each participant to finish off an amazing ride for Hospice Wellington. In addition, Lynn has made this event unique by creating two different groups that go out. One is a slower trail ride, and the other is a faster paced cross-country hack, so everyone gets the ride they want that day.
Riders representing the Ontario Standardbred Adoption Society have participated in Hooves For Hospice since its inception and are looking forward to again joining in 2022.
It’s a wonderful event which raises money for a very worthwhile cause and we appreciate the opportunity to showcase the versatility of the Standardbred horse to the many riders in attendance.
I have enjoyed this ride since it began four years ago! A great opportunity to ride with some fun people for a great cause.
Not to mention a yummy chili lunch and some wonderful prizes.
Last year was my first year joining the Hooves for Hospice ride and it was such a fun day! The ride was over many different fields and terrain with a great group of riders. Even though the weather didn’t cooperate it was still a very fun ride.
The handmade chilli lunch afterwords was so delicious I had to have seconds and it helped warm us up! Thank you for a very well organized event for a great cause. I hope to make it out again this year.
Smart Slider 3 is the best slider that i’ve tried so far. There’s so many useful functions and easy to understand how to use it.
The event is organized by the loveliest volunteers, the ride has a slow pace or fast pace depending on your mood and is followed by the BEST chili lunch.
Being a part of Hooves for Hospice is very special to me as I lost my dad to cancer at Hospice Wellington and I really feel a sense of unity on this day. Smiles, laughs and meeting new people is what the day is all about. I am grateful the last two years I’ve been able to have some great sponsors donate towards this ride for such a deserving charitable organization.
Smart Slider 3 is the best slider that i’ve tried so far. There’s so many useful functions and easy to understand how to use it.
This was my first time being a part of any sort of horse event, I really didn’t know what to expect. I loved it! It was well organized, safe and fun.
An amazing way to come together and get to know other riders while raising money for such an important place in our community, Hospice Wellington.
Smart Slider 3 is the best slider that i’ve tried so far. There’s so many useful functions and easy to understand how to use it.
A win for everyone, enjoying a great ride for a great cause!
Event Location and Directions
Please use Google Maps – do not use GPS as it does not work!
Using Google Maps – use the address 6065 Fourth Line, Centre Wellington, as the city.
Please Do Not use any other address, or GPS. Only Google Maps is reliable. Just on the southeast side of Fergus, just south of Sideroad 30.
***IMPORTANT ***
Access from Sideroad 30 only, due to broken bridge south of us at Wellington 22.
Signs will be posted.
Please follow the signs and register upon vehicle entry, park on our back hay field, tack up then enjoy your ride!
Hot chili buffet to follow in the barn when the ride is finished. Bathroom, refreshments are in the barn.
Please let us know when you register, which ride you prefer: Trail Ride (walk/trot) or Cross-Country Hack (walk/trot/canter).
Thank you for registering and we look forward to riding with you!!
Download the Directions (PDF).
Hooves for Hospice Contact Information:
Hooves for Hospice
6065 Fourth Line
Rockwood, ON N0B 2K0
Phone: 519-827-5108
Email: hoovesforhospice22@gmail.com
info@hospicewellington.org
