Saddle up for something truly special. From May 11–18, 2025, Tour d’Horse returns to the Hunter Valley, hosted by the iconic Belltrees Station - a property steeped in Australian equine heritage - for a six-day endurance ride with one powerful purpose: to raise $1 million for the KIDS Foundation, dedicated to helping children and families rebuild after serious trauma and burns.
Led by KIDS Foundation Founder and CEO, Dr Susie O’Neill OAM, this six-day ride is a celebration of healing, strength, and the extraordinary bond between humans and horses.
“Tour d’Horse is a powerful reminder that healing comes in many forms,” said Dr O’Neill. “When we combine the therapeutic power of horses with a cause that truly matters, the impact reaches far beyond the ride itself. The calibre of riders joining us is extraordinary with Sam Freedman, Jamie and Ben Melham, Annabel Neasham, and bringing to the ride the Man From Snowy River with Tom Burlinson, Simon Wincer and horse trainer Cody Rawson-Harris. The riders will be inspired not only by the courageous young people we support, but by the likes of Kate Nipperess, injured jockey hoping to make the next Paralympics, Dr Richard Harris, Thai Cave Rescuer, Georgina Burke, international model, Emma Hawkins, media personality, and performers Alex Lloyd and Golden Guitar singer Amber Lawrance. It is sure to be a spectacular event.”
Each rider will be mounted on a retired racehorse, lovingly retrained by equine legends Anthony “Anto” White OAM and Alec White of Belltrees. These horses - once built for speed - now carry a new mission: to help raise awareness and funds for trauma recovery across Australia.
Tour d’Horse will have support and participation from across the racing and equine industries, including Magic Millions, Freedman Racing, Inglis, Snowden Racing, Somerstone Farm, Coolmore Australia, Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott Racing, McEvoy Mitchell Racing, Makybe Diva Stud, the Petstock Foundation, RB Sellars, Bennett Racing, Banter Toys, Emirates Park, Victorian Jockeys’ Association, Melbourne Racing Club Foundation, Boneo Park, James Harron Bloodstock, The Skin Team, Aon, and Affinity Insurance Brokers.
Each day of Tour d’Horse is proudly supported by a dedicated Race Day sponsor, reflecting the widespread commitment from leaders in the equine and agricultural industries. The six-day journey will feature the Macka’s Angus Beef Trophy (Day 1), Twin Hills Stud Trophy (Day 2), Yulong Trophy (Day 3), Archibald Neasham Racing Trophy (Day 4), Newgate Trophy (Day 5), and the Godolphin Life-time Care Trophy (Day 6).
These generous sponsors not only help elevate the event but also share a passion for supporting trauma recovery and the next generation of resilient Australians.
Tour d’Horse is equipped to deliver extensive daily coverage, including live crosses pre- and post-ride using a LiveU unit and Starlink connection. In addition, daily VNR packages will be produced to highlight stories of courage, recovery and the event’s daily progress — providing media outlets with high-quality content and real-time access to the action.
Funds raised will go directly to expanding the KIDS Foundation’s trauma recovery and injury prevention programs, which currently support over 300,000 children, young people, and families across Australia.
How to Support:
• Donate or sponsor a rider: kidsfoundation.org.au
• Follow the journey: @thekidsfoundation | #TourdHorse2025 #KidsFoundation #RideForACause #SaddleUpForKIDS #RideForACause
Be part of a ride that means something. Together, let’s gallop toward a brighter, safer future for Australia’s most vulnerable children.
Key Facts:
Photo Opportunity: Yes.
Interview Opportunity: Yes.
Contact details:
Melanie Mullen
Media & Communications
0418 331 994
