On Saturday, May 6, 2017, the 21st annual Cowboy Capital Multiple Sclerosis Trail Ride will be held at Tarleton State University’s Hunewell Ranch. This fundraiser helps raise money and awareness for MS, a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system.

“Multiple sclerosis is a severe disease,” volunteer Diane Tidwell said. “We really stress raising money to give towards research, education and to local programs that help families that are affected by MS.”

The fundraiser is a horse trail ride throughout the 1,200-acre ranch. Participants must bring their collected donations to the event in order to ride.

“It is not a pledge to ride,” Tidwell said. “We will never turn anyone down; however, those who bring at least $50 in donations will to receive an official Cowboy Capital MS Trail Ride t-shirt.”

Prizes will be given out, including the top three people who raise the most money, the rider who travels the furthest and to the oldest and youngest riders. Team prizes will also be given out.

Registration begins at 8 a.m., and the ride begins at 9 a.m. Participants may either register online in advance or at the event. A campsite will be provided for participants on Friday and Saturday night.

“Two years ago, we decided to organize a primitive campsite for the riders on Friday night,” Tidwell said. “It makes it easier for riders so that they do not have to get everything ready for the ride early in the morning. We just request that you call Hollie Hensley at 254-485-4416 before you haul.”

Tidwell said as the date approaches, they usually receive calls about the weather.

“With it being the first weekend in May, you never know how crazy the weather will be, but we have never had to cancel because of it,” Tidwell said.

Riders must bring their own horses to participate. For those who do not have access to a horse, there will also be a one mile walk and a 5K run. Registration for the walk and run begins at 9 a.m., which starts at 9:30 a.m.

“We started having the run and walk about 10 years ago,” Tidwell said. “We had people who wanted to help, but did not ride. This gives everyone a chance to participate.”

Breakfast will be available, and there will also be a BBQ lunch provided by the Knights of Pythias.

“The trail ride is a family friendly event,” Tidwell said. “We have an average of 75 riders. The biggest ride we have ever had, involved over 100 participants. It was nice because the more riders the more donations.”

The money raised will be given to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the only national voluntary MS organization that meets the standards of all major agencies that rate non-profit groups.

“Mary [Howard] was a part of a MS support group here in Stephenville,” Tidwell said. “The Fort Worth National MS Society branch contacted them asking if they would host a walkathon to raise awareness. Mary thought ‘We are the Cowboy Capital of the World. We don’t walk — we ride.’ We became the first trail ride in the nation to be sanctioned by the National MS Society as an official fundraiser.”

Riders may ask friends or neighbors to donate, or they may make an entire donation by themselves. To keep track of donations, participants may fill out the donation sheet that can be found on the official website, www.ccmstrailride.com.

Rules, regulations and other information on the event can be found at the official Cowboy Capital MS Trail Ride website. Tidwell encourages anyone to call her at 254-592-1895 for any questions.