Operation Horses Heal to hold cook-off, trail ride events
Operation Horses Heal invites the public to a powerful weekend of food, fellowship, and purpose on September 6-7—all in support of Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families. The 2-day event features the 3rd Annual Chili Cook-Off and a Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS) Awareness Trail Ride, a stop on the national Trail Rides Across America initiative.
Saturday, September 6 — 2nd Annual Chili Cook-Off Held at the Chelsea Conservation Club in Chelsea, this lively cook-off brings together community, creativity, and a whole lot of chili. Guests can enjoy unlimited tastings, a raffle, and patriotic-themed desserts while helping raise funds for Operation Horses Heal.
• Chili & dessert entries due by 11 a.m.
• Judging begins at 12 p.m. Awards at 2 p.m.
• Chili categories: Hot, Medium, Mild
• Dessert theme: Patriotic or Military Branch-Inspired
• Tasting: $10 Entry + Tasting: $20
• Children under 5 eat free
• Raffle drawings begin at 3 p.m. Entry Registration: https://forms.gle/ hrdghHQZBcdBxR6L7 Facebook Event: https://www.facebook. com/share/194rj9XjsS/ Sunday, September 7 — PTS Awareness Trail Ride The weekend continues at the Taylor County Horse Trail & Camp with a special PTS Awareness Trail Ride, co-hosted by Operation Horses Heal and Michelle Berling of BB Barn. This event is part of Trail Rides Across America, a national effort led by Berling to highlight the healing power of horses and raise awareness for post-traumatic stress.
Michelle Berling, a retired firefighter, paramedic, police officer, and SWAT negotiator, founded the series after her own journey with PTSD.
“PTSD has been a part of my life for years,” Berling shares. “It was through therapy and talking with others that the idea for Trail Rides Across America was born.”
• Meet 8 a.m. to register and ride out at 10 a.m. at Taylor County Horse Camp
• $20 donation includes the ride and a souvenir t-shirt
• Pre-register by August 20 to guarantee a shirt Ride Ticket & Registration: https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/operat ion-horses-heal-benefi t-trail-ride Facebook Event: https://www.facebook. com/share/1JanYf2aKd/ All proceeds benefit Operation Horses Heal, a nonprofit based in Westboro, dedicated to supporting the well-being of Veterans, active-duty military members, and their families through equine-related programs and outreach.
