Tour d’Horse returned to the Hunter Valley in NSW for a six-day endurance ride from 11–17 May. Image by Nicole Cleary.
Returning to the Hunter Valley, Tour d’Horse once again brought together riders from all walks of life in aid of the KIDS Foundation. With Kubota providing vital on-ground support, the event once again showcased resilience, connection and purpose.
Tour d’Horse returned to the Hunter Valley in NSW for a six-day endurance ride from 11–17 May with one powerful purpose: to once again raise more than $1 million for the KIDS Foundation, a charity dedicated to helping children and families rebuild from serious trauma, injuries, and disabling health conditions.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Belltrees Station and the rolling Upper Hunter countryside, Tour d’Horse brought together the racing and equestrian communities for a second year in support of the cause — celebrating healing, strength, and the extraordinary bond between humans and horses.
Tour d’Horse brought together the racing and equestrian communities for a third year in support the KIDS Foundation. Image by Nicole Cleary.
Across the week, 27 teams rode close to 200 kilometres through the Hunter Valley, with a base camp established at Gundy. The teams represented a wide range of businesses and causes, from racing industry leaders such as Coolmore Australia, Chris Waller Racing, Yulong, Waterhouse and Bott Racing, and Magic Millions, to international equestrian venue Boneo Park Equestrian Centre, rural outfitter RB Sellars, and charitable organisations including Petstock Foundation, Banter Foundation and the MRC Foundation.
As with previous years, the event was also supported by a variety of well-known personalities. Participants included AFL great Tom Hawkins and his wife, KIDS Foundation Ambassador Emma Hawkins; Olympian and KIDS Foundation Ambassador Amanda Ross; Paralympian Emma Booth, who was also announced during the event as an ambassador for the KIDS Foundation; media personality Hamish McLachlan; Melbourne Cup-winning jockeys Jamie Melham and Darren Beadman; Group 1-winning jockeys Rachel King and Ben Melham; champion trainers Sam Freedman and Michael Freedman; and Olympic champion Ariarne Titmus OAM, one of Australia’s most accomplished and admired athletes.
AFL great Tom Hawkins took part in this year’s Tour d’Horse and was more than happy to lend a hand! Image by Nicole Cleary.
Running alongside the ride at base camp in Gundy was Camp TANGO (Together Achieving New Goals and Opportunities) — a transformational program for young survivors. Each riding team was paired with a participant from Camp TANGO, who took on the role of Team Captain, creating a powerful connection between the riders’ endurance challenge and the real purpose behind the journey.
Camp TANGO participants, riders and volunteers. Back row, L-R: Fletcher Connelly, Matt Thiele, Sophie Johnson (Michael Freedman Racing team), Lucy Holland, Leanne McPherson, and Emma Coleman (Waterhouse Bott Racing team). Front: Spencer Connelly. Image by Nicole Cleary.
Serving as a central hub for participants, the base camp hosted a welcome dinner, as well as evenings of camaraderie featuring performances from country music artist James Johnston and several survivors.
THE HEALING POWER OF HORSES
Tour d’Horse is led by KIDS Foundation Founder and CEO, Dr Susie O’Neill OAM, who explains that the charity’s connection with horses came about through personal heartbreak.
“Horses quite literally came galloping into the KIDS Foundation through our family’s unexpected tragedy. In 2021 my granddaughter Bella, sadly passed away. After celebrating her short but deeply meaningful life, our family needed time to be together to reflect and heal,” explains Susie.
“Bella’s older sister, Nellie, invited her mum and me to go horse riding. It had been more than 35 years since I had ridden a horse and, to be honest I was petrified.”
As it turned out, that experience was exactly what Susie and her family needed. The horse–human connection — something many who’ve spent time with horses will understand — brought a deep sense of calm and healing during their grief.
“For me personally, and ultimately the KIDS Foundation, it became life changing. The power of the horse-human connection at that moment was indescribable. In just one hour, I experienced a sense of healing, calm and emotional release unlike anything I’d felt before.
KIDS Foundation Founder and CEO, Dr Susie O’Neill OAM (second from left), with signer and KIDS Ambassador James Johnston, wife Talia-Rose and their children. Image by Nicole Cleary.
“I remember thinking if this could be so transformative for me, imagine what it could do for the children we support following traumatic events. Particularly within our KIDS Recovery programs, where children are living with the psychological after-effects of horrific trauma, injuries and disabling health conditions.”
From that moment, horses became an integral part of the KIDS Foundation’s Recovery and Education Programs, delivering extraordinary outcomes.
“That experience also led me to creating Tour d’Horse in 2024, which now generates 50% of the funding needed to operate all KIDS Foundation programs, supporting and reaching more than 300,000 children and their families each year,” explains Susie.
In 2025, Tour d’Horse raised more than $1 million — making a life-changing impact for over 300,000 children and family members. That milestone has now been achieved for a second consecutive year.
Born with Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA), a genetic condition affecting the nerves that control muscle movement, Susie’s granddaughter, Bella Margie Gwen Tuddenham, not only brought horses into the KIDS Foundation’s work but also inspired the Move 4 Bella campaign, represented at this year’s Tour d’Horse by the Ride 4 Bella team.
HORSEPOWER BEHIND THE TOUR
Once again, each Tour d’Horse rider was mounted on a retired racehorse, lovingly retrained by equine experts Antony “Anto” White OAM and Alec White of Belltrees Station. These horses — once built for speed — carried a new mission: raising awareness and funds for trauma recovery across Australia.
The horses were predominantly off-the-track Thoroughbreds (OTTs) retrained at Belltrees, with others coming from the Whites’ polo team. Each horse brought its own story, reminding everyone that trust, respect, and connection can be shared without words.
Among the standout OTTs on this year’s tour was the KIDS Foundation’s equine ambassador Eleven Eleven, winner of the Magic Millions Cup in 2021 and 2022, who participated as part of the Magic Millions team ridden by Ally Mosley.
Sophie Johnson, Racing Manager for Michael Freedman Racing, returned for a second year, riding her horse Communist, who had only recently retired from racing prior to last year’s ride.
Jockey Rachel King was reunited with Malkovich after their time together on the racetrack, with Tour d’Horse offering a significantly slower — and more reflective — pace.
Twenty-two-year-old rider, para dressage competitor, and KIDS Foundation Ambassador Abigail Vidler (left) and Emma Ridley (right), part of the Godolphin Lifetime Care team (day one ride sponsor). Both were big fans of the Thoroughbreds who took part in the ride. Image by Nicole Cleary.
Twenty-two-year-old rider and para dressage competitor Abigail Vidler, who is involved with the KIDS Foundation Empowering Rights Program, joined this year’s tour as a KIDS Foundation Ambassador while also contributing to media and content creation. With a strong background retraining OTTs as para dressage horses, she felt right at home.
“The horses on Tour are what make it so special,” says Abby. “I think it highlights that when you allow yourself to trust a horse, they will carry you to something special. I think the real heroes are also the horses who looked after the kids so well on their race day.”
The tour concluded at the Scone Race Club, where survivors watched the teams in a moving finale, as they walked down the famous straight following the last race. A race at walking pace.
The tour concluded at the Scone Race Club with a walking race down the home straight. Image by Hunter Media – Sarah Ebbett.
“A horse truly doesn’t judge you for what you look like or your story before the moment you meet but they will show you how love, strength and courage can be achieved without a single word being spoken, in the time you spend in the saddle you’re just a person who loves a horse,” continues Abby.
“The land that we were riding on was a challenge, but the horses kept us safe and looked after us the whole time, that’s something you can’t explain until you’re on the horse and riding on the Belltrees property. In that respect it’s a true testament to Anto and Alec White’s horsemanship and their team’s dedication to developing such lovely horses.”
NOT THE ONLY HORSEPOWER ON COURSE
Thoroughbreds were not the only horsepower on course at Tour d’Horse this year. Kubota played an integral role, supplying RTV Utility Vehicles to support the event crew, transport supplies, and assist medics and media teams.
“The RTVs were an enormous help right across the week… they ensured everything and everyone could move as needed across the property,” explains Tour d’Horse Lead Emily Morris. “Tough hills and tough terrain, but the grit of the Kubota RTVs matched the heart and determination of the ride.”
Tough terrain was no problem for the Kubota RTVs. Image by Nicole Cleary.
Emily recalls one of the most powerful moments from the week involving Emma Booth, a two-time Paralympian and accomplished equestrian.
“After a tragic road accident left Emma without the use of her legs, she never imagined she would find herself back in the mountains on horseback. Emma was a passionate eventer before the accident and, while she has proudly represented Australia on the world stage, including at two Paralympic Games, she said nothing compared to being back out there with the horses and being part of something so meaningful and impactful.
“The Kubotas played a quiet but important role in that,” Emily adds. “They gave Emma the confidence to take part, knowing support was always close if she needed a break.”
Paralympian Emma Booth enjoyed her time riding with Tour d’Horse. Image by Nicole Cleary.
“I honestly have no words,” says Emma Booth. “I have ridden down the centreline on the world stage a number of times representing Australia, and the feeling I had [at Tour d’Horse]… I don’t even know if it compares. What I have experienced has just been amazing.”
While the RTVs were not required for emergencies, they were in constant use. “Everyone was keen to get behind the wheel,” laughs Emily. “They were incredibly popular with all involved, which says everything about how valuable they were. We are so grateful to Kubota for their support.”
The ultimate solution for rugged and reliable off-road performance, Kubota RTVs are a mainstay at equestrian properties around Australia. You can find out more about the range here.
“Everyone was keen to
get behind the wheel…”
It’s no secret that media personality Hamish McLachlan loves his horses – and he’s also a big fan of Kubota RTVs! Image by Nicole Cleary.
MORE THAN A RIDE
Tour d’Horse is more than a ride; for many, it is a life-changing experience. The funds raised will directly support the KIDS Foundation’s education, trauma recovery and injury prevention programs, which currently reach more than 300,000 children, young people, and families across Australia. EQ
Although the 2026 Tour d’Horse has concluded, it’s not too late donate to this year’s fundraiser.
Visit www.kidsfoundation.org.au to find out more or via this link www.kidsfoundation.org.au/tourdhorse-2026.
This article was written in conjunction with Kubota. Visit their website to find out more about their range.
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