The threat of rain did not deter these riders from participating in this year’s Memorial Trail Ride on September 22. Photo above shows organizer Linda Leonard leading riders Cari Burchat (left), Jo Friese and Jannelle Geiger (all photos Sharon Gardiner). The 90 minute trail ride set off from the Wilno Heritage Park and went along the former rail bed and the Wilno Pass.
Cari Burchat of Barry’s Bay rides Spike
Jannelle Geiger from Deep River on Buckshot
Jo Friese from Germany with Venus
The quiet, respectful ride honours the three community women who were murdered in 2015: Nathalie Warmerdam, Anastasia Kuzyk and Carol Culleton. Media sources say that Memorial Trail Ride organizer Linda Leonard missed her long-time riding friend Anastasia Kuzyk and came up with the commemorative event in 2016 as a way to mark the loss suffered by the community. Leonard makes her own horses available for hire (to experienced riders) and welcomes members of the community who wish to walk along or sponsor the ride. Proceeds from the event go to Bernadette McCann House, a womens’ refuge in Pembroke.
Jannelle Geiger (left), Cari Burchat and Jo Friese
All photos: Sharon Gardiner
