There are many creative ways to raise money for your community and I recently had the privilege of participating in an authentically Costa Rican event to raise money for local causes.
A ‘Cabalgada’ is a weekend gathering where local families get together in a group trail ride with the registration charge used towards their fundraising efforts. I was thrilled to take part with around 50 other riders in a three hour trek across mountain trails. We fortified ourselves prior to the cabalgada with a snack at a bar in a modest community centre and finished with a meal and dance in the field!
Cabalgata Cowboys mosey up to the bar
All ages participated in the festive, day long party and those of us who rode our horses paraded through the party-goers like conquistadors at the beginning and end – what a rush.
Dancing in the field!
It was nothing fancy, not in the guidebook and such a delight to be part of – life is so enriched by these kind of special encounters. With the sound of Spanish music filling the air we rode off home into a glowing full moon instead of a sunset! Perfecto!
Yours truly sporting her number.
Womanseyeview's Blog 
Neat post… how fun for you!
I love your spirit of adventure and giving back to the community at the same time. Great post!
Thank you! It was such a welcoming group of people to hang out with too.
It looks like an awesome event. What a fun way to raise money for the community!
It really was fun with little bits of excitement thrown in. A nice event in a welcoming community.
Looks and sounds as though we should travel with you more often. P.S. I thought perhaps the number on your back was your age.
I’m ready to hit the road with you anytime and you’d look great in a cowgirl hat!
Sounds like an amazing experience and so good to veer from the guidebook events. Questions abound – did they have gluten free; did you dance; is your bum sore?
Yes, no and no! A lot of the CR food is gluten free – lots of rice and beans, salads and meat so no problem there. It is quite hard to dance elegantly in a field although next time I think I’ll give it a go anyway!
What a unique and amazing memory! It sounds exactly like the kind of thing I would like to do!
I hesitated for a moment when invited wondering if I was up to it…Nearly missed a great day!
It’s funny you should say that. Some of the most amazing memories I have are things I initially didn’t want to do. Seems to be a lesson in there doesn’t it?
Amazing! What a great way to spend a day. Looks like so much fun!
It was good for the soul and such a great group of people who were happy to share.
What a great and enjoyable way to raise funds. I am fascinated by all the gear on the belts. And the hats are great too.
It was such fun and these are serious horse people who seem prepared for any eventuality along the trail. Although I’m sure some of it may be a horseriders form of ‘bling’.
They look very serious, bling and all.