Hundreds of riders attempt new world record in fund-raising effort

By LYNN MONTGOMERY | East Texas Edition

Hundreds of riders gathered at the Crowded 6 Ranch near Tyler to participate in the recent event. Organizers still encourage people to support the charities. -- Staff photo by Montgomery

Oct. 20, 2005 - Horses, horses, and more horses were seen at the Crowded 6 Ranch, northwest of Tyler, on Oct. 9, as close to 500 entries attempted to break the Guiness Book of World Record for a “horse parade.” 

The event, named “Mane Mission,” was designed to not only attempt to break a world record, but to raise money for two charities who assist children and adults who with mentally retardation or disabilities. Breckenridge Village (a home for mentally-handicapped adults) and the Arc of Tyler will be helped by the monies received from the parade and the Saturday night concert. 

The two events was deemed a huge success, according to event coordinators. 

�It was successful because people came,� Linda Taylor, Director of Development at Breckenridge Village, said after the event.

Falling short of the world record, and the fundraising goal, Taylor pointed to rising gasoline prices and other hurricane-related situations. But, people of East Texas have been generous with their giving, she said. 

Taylor was also thankful to Crowded 6 owner Lloyd Fletcher for allowing the trail ride on his land. She had explained to Fletcher that they were expectcing thousands of horses, and that could really tear up his land. But, she said, Fletcher simply stated, “It’s only dirt. I will do all I can for those kids.”

Over 140 volunteers offered their help during the event and also at a special musical event, Growing Wings, on Saturday night, prior to the trail ride. Randy Owen, lead singer of the group Alabama, gave of his time and came to East Texas to perform with the East Texas Symphony Orchestra during the concert. Patty Loveless, another country singer, opened for Owen.

�It was something to see. The symphony got out of their box and Randy got out of his. It was really something to see the symphony doing a hoe-down,� Taylor said.��

The idea for Mane Mission came from “a little seed somewhere that we needed to make money (for Breckenridge Village),” according to Pierre de Wet, one of the event organizers.

Now, that the event is over, de Wet simply stated his wish was “that people would turn off their lights a little earlier and send the savings to Breckenridge.”