Holmes County Home Benefit Trail Ride debuts Sept. 13 near Millersburg

Riding on a horseback trail ride is a joy that blends freedom and connection between rider and horse with nature.

Riders will have a chance to experience that joy while donating to a great cause during the upcoming Holmes County Home Benefit Trail Ride on Saturday, Sept. 13.

The event will start at the Orchard at Honey Run Inn, 7029 County Road 203, near Millersburg.

The event will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m., with the ride taking off at approximately 8 a.m. There will be doughnuts and coffee available for patrons.

The journey through some beautiful Holmes County scenery will take four to five hours, winding around the countryside and ending up back at the orchard, where a dinner of barbecued hamburgers, noodles, potato salad and cookies will await.

Riders will enjoy the calming rhythm that quiets the mind and lets them take in the world around them — towering trees, winding paths and the soft sounds of wildlife.

In addition, riders can expect great conversation as they connect with nature.

“Our hope is that people simply find an enjoyable day of riding,” organizer and trail guide Duane Mast said. “All of the trail will have plenty of room for riders, and we should see some really beautiful scenery. This is open to the public, and we invite anyone who loves to ride to join us for the day.”

Each rider will need to supply their own steed for the journey, which is open to riders of all ages. The cost to participate is by donation only, and all proceeds will go directly to support the Holmes County Home.

With this being the inaugural trail ride supporting the Holmes County Home, Mast and the rest of the auction committee aren’t sure where it will lead, but the hope is that with riding being such an enjoyable pastime in Holmes County, it will become an annual activity.

“Since we don’t know who will be joining us for the day, we decided to make this first trail ride fairly simple and not overly rugged,” Mast said. “Our aim is to create a relaxing ride.”

Following the ride, they will return to the orchard for lunch.

The ride will take place rain or shine, and Mast said they can’t control the weather, but riders and horses are both used to riding in any type of weather.

This event came about as an additional way of showing support for the Holmes County Home, the event serving as a precursor to the upcoming 54th annual Holmes County Home Benefit Auction Sept. 19-20 at the County Home.

“It is something that we felt could add a lot to the County Home’s fundraising effort,” said Roman Miller, auction chairman. “It should be a fun way to spend a day on horseback just enjoying nature and a good ride while supporting a great cause in the County Home.”

Mast said since joining the board, he has come to realize what a critical role the County Home plays in Holmes County for many residents, and this is a unique way to help support the home and the families who put their trust in its staff caring for their family members.

For more information call Mast at 234-440-0884.