Celebrating their 85th year, the Rancheros Visitadores trail ride sauntered through the Santa Ynez Valley to the Santa Ines Mission in Solvang, where they gathered for a blessing and an opportunity to commemorate their fundraising efforts for breast cancer research.
Making it the largest ride to date, more than 700 riders wore matching pink shirts in partnership with Wrangler Jeans and the Tough Enough to Wear Pink Campaign.
Photo via Grit & Lipstick Photography
Bob Fiest was the master of ceremonies at the Mission and was joined on stage by actresses and breast cancer advocates Bo Derek and Kelly Lebrock. Ms. Derek helped present a check for $131,000, raised by this year’s riders, to the Cancer Center of Santa Barbara and Sansum Clinic.
For the fourth year in a row, the Rancheros Visitadores have chosen to raise funds for the Cancer Center, and this year’s efforts brings the total to more than $400,000. All of the proceeds help local breast cancer patients at the Cancer Center, including clinical research trials, wellness classes and support programs. The services are available to all breast cancer patients who reside in Santa Barbara County regardless of where they receive treatment or their ability to pay.
The Rancheros Visitadores, a men’s social club, observes the bygone era of springtime cattle drives. Making the annual trek on horseback and horse drawn wagons, ending at Janeway Rancher near Cachuma Lake, for a week of horse events and music.
Read more about this year’s ride.
