Air Ambulance charity Kent Surrey Sussex (KSS) is inviting riders to join its KSS Ride, a sponsored off-road hack through the Bilsington Priory Estate near Ashford, Kent, on Sunday 13 July, to raise funds to help save lives.
Riders will follow an eight-mile route over a variety of terrain through private grounds, with views of the picturesque countryside. Participants can select specific start times between 9am and 2pm and there are optional canter strips.
As this is hacking, the mileage completed in this sponsored ride also counts towards a rider’s #Hack1000Miles tally.
“We’re excited to again be offering keen horse riders a chance to enjoy this very special setting on horseback,” said Katie Rose, events assistant at KSS, who created the event four years ago.
“They will enjoy a mix of woodland paths, gentle hills and optional canter strips on a fully marshalled route.
“It will be a truly memorable ride.”
£56k a day operation costs
It costs KSS £56,000 a day to operate its life-saving service 24/7 and it is largely funded through the generosity of its supporters.
Funds raised from the KSS ride will allow the Air Ambulance charity to continue to provide lifesaving emergency services across Kent, Surrey and Sussex.
In 2023-24 they attended over 3,300 incidents.
“Our independent lifesaving charity depends on the support of the communities we serve in order to continue our work, so everyone who takes part will be joining us in our fight to save lives,” added Katie.
“It is always great to see the equestrian community join us in spreading awareness and supporting their local air ambulance charity.”
Ride details
The registration fee for the ride is £25 and all finishers will receive a special rosette.
Riders who raise over £50 will be presented with a KSS Ride saddle tag.
Raising £50 could pay for a set of defibrillator pads to help resuscitate someone experiencing cardiac arrest.
£150 could buy a vacuum splint to stabilise a damaged limb.
For further information about KSS Ride visit www.aakss.org.uk/kssride.
Image © KSS
