Six days, one goal: Tour d’Horse aims to raise $1 Million for the KIDS Foundation  

A celebration of healing, strength, and the extraordinary bond between humans and horses, Tour d’Horse is a six-day ride hosted by the iconic Belltrees Station and led by KIDS Foundation Founder and CEO, Dr Susie O’Neill OAM.  

“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.” 

This year, Tour d’Horse also coincides with the Scone Horse Festival. 

Supporters proud to saddle up

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). 

Tour d’Horse also had 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, Bennett Racing, Banter Toys, Emirates Park, Victorian Jockeys’ Association, Melbourne Racing Club Foundation, Boneo Park, James Harron Bloodstock, The Skin Team, Aon, Affinity Insurance Brokers, and RB Sellars. 

RB Sellars, like all those involved, is proud to saddle up in support of the KIDS Foundation Tour d’Horse 2025. Jim Gall, CEO RB Sellars, said: “After joining the journey during last year’s inaugural ride, RB Sellars is proud to once again support the incredible work the KIDS Foundation does to improve the lives of children who have experience trauma”.  

RB Sellars shareholder Stirling McGregor, along with Kate Hocking (Emerson) and John Minto will be representing the RB team and will be in the saddle at this year’s ride. RB Sellars is also supporting all riders by donating their legendary Burton and Sandy workshirts to wear on the tour. 

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. 

Retired racehorses step up 

Each Tour d’Horse 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. 

No stranger to working with retired racehorse, Amanda Ross is one of well-known equestrian names to join the ride. With a career spanning decades, Amanda has consistently demonstrated her prowess in various equestrian disciplines. Her illustrious career includes representing Australia at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 on retired racehorse Otto Schumacher, shortlisted for the Tokyo Olympic Games with off the track horse Koko Popping Candy and competing on the World Cup jumping circuit. Additionally, she has served as a high-performance coach for the Australian equestrian

“I am honoured to join the KIDS Foundation and to support their incredible work. As an athlete and an advocate for retired racehorses, I believe in promoting well-being and care for all beings. Tour d’Horse is a fantastic platform to raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause,” said Amanda. 

Amanda is also heavily involved at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre, one of Australia’s most prominent equestrian facilities. Boneo Park is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class events, and commitment to the welfare of horses. Amanda’s horses, including Group 1 champion Cascadian, reside at Boneo Park with the support of the Godolphin Lifetime Care Program. The venue has also just announced its inaugural Off The Track Festival, an exciting new event for Victorian ex-racehorses, which is set to take place later this year and features $200,000 in prizemoney. 

How to support 

Funds raised by Tour d’Horse 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. 

• 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.