The third annual “Benefit Trail Ride for Covington County Special Needs Children” hits the trail Wed., Nov. 11, beginning at 9:30 a.m. The day of fun is hosted by the Covington Cowgirls Drill Team and benefits special needs programs in the Covington County Schools.

A donation of $10 per person or $25 per family is suggested. All money goes directly to special needs teachers and students in Covington County. For those who want to help the special needs children, but might not be able to take part in the trail ride, the Covington Cowgirls, which is a non-profit organization, accepts donations.

This year the trail ride takes place in the Geneva State Forest. To get to the location from Andalusia, go to Opp and take Highway 52 to Highway 54. After making the turn onto Highway 54, travel to the bridge and take the first dirt road to the right after crossing the bridge. Then go about 2 miles to Lake Road located on the right.

“We will meet at the lake and sign up at 8:30,” said Tricia Courson, drill team director. “The first 20 to sign in have the choice of door prizes.”

The Cowgirls will host a cookout lunch and then riders will return to the lake.

“This is an all-day ride so riders should be prepared,” Courson said. “We hope everyone enjoys a day with nature in a wonderful Alabama forest with its beautiful trails, creeks and wildlife, too.”

Courson said last year’s trail ride was a success and they hope to have just as much success this year.

“Every penny we raise goes to the special needs programs,” she said. “We were pleased with the participation we had last year and hope it is even bigger this year.”

The funds raised from past special needs trail rides helped purchase a number of items for special needs classes.

“The funds to go directly to teachers to help them purchase some of their ‘wish list’ items,’” Courson said. “We work to get the funds into the classrooms.”

For more information about the trail ride or to make a donation, contact Tricia Courson at 334-222-8079, Donna Jones at 334-493-6730 or Donna Moseley at 334-493-4138. Visit the drill team on the web at covingtoncowgirls.com.

In addition to hosting the trail ride in September, the Covington Cowgirls hosted another event, their annual Junior and Senior High School Rodeo. Proceeds from this event go toward funding a $1,000 scholarship given to a Covington County high school senior who shows an interest in horsemanship.

The Covington Cowgirls also donate to Camp Victory, Opportunity House and families in need after disasters. Each spring they also host a “Saddle Up For St. Jude’s” trail ride.