A 24-hour charity event involving non-stop trotting has landed a Barnoldswick charity group thousands.
The Pendle Riding for the Disabled Association held its second ever 24-hour Prideathon event this month, a rideathon involving the charity’s mechanical horse Pride.
Although the final figure is not yet known, it is anticipated the entirely donation dependent group may have hurdled the £3,000 post in the process.
And while the group set out to break the 24-hour mark, there was so much interest from folk that the group cantered through it and finished at 30-and-a-half hours.
As well as the riding, there was a continuous buffet of food, “Guess the Name of the Teddy” and “Guess the Amount of Sweets in the Jar” competitions, a raffle and the Gin Pit rock band gig.
Chief instructor Kate Bailey said: “We started at 8am on the Saturday and finished at 2-30pm on the Sunday.
“At the 24-hour point, there were still people queuing up wanting to take part in it, so we carried on – we couldn’t turn them away.
“We ran it last year for the first time and his year we went for it all guns blazing. It was fantastic. The Gin Pit band put up a massive stage – it was like Glastonbury.
“There was a real party atmosphere. Thanks to everyone who supported the event, for their generosity, kindness and pure spirit.”
All riders who took part received a rosette and certificate – and for 2015’s Prideathon there is talk of a Guinness World Record attempt.
Kate added: “We wanted to set a world record this time, but it is hard to explain across an email that the machine is unique and not a coin-slot operated horse, as we couldn’t afford an official adjudicator.
“We could have agreed to go for the record for that, but it wouldn’t have been right. Next year, we will be organised for it.”
