The KIDS Foundation is thrilled to announce Emma Hawkins as an ambassador for Tour d'Horse 2025, the charity's major fundraising event supporting children and families impacted by injury and trauma.
Emma, a successful businesswoman and media personality, grew up riding horses in Deniliquin, NSW. With her strong rural roots and commitment to making a positive difference, Emma is proud to lend her voice — and saddle — to this event.
"As a mum, I can't imagine the pain some of these children and their families have been through. When I learned about the KIDS Foundation and the incredible programs they run, I knew I had to be part of this," said Emma.
Emma had the opportunity to meet inspirational survivors from the Exford bus crash — twins Ashton and Cadin Westlow.
"I'm honoured to join the ride — not just to raise funds, but to help share the stories of courage and hope that come out of adversity."
Emma will join the six-day endurance ride through the rugged terrain of the Hunter Valley, alongside fellow riders from the media, racing and broader equine industries. All participants are united by one purpose: to honour survivors and raise vital funds for injury and trauma recovery and prevention.
"Tour d'Horse is more than just a physical challenge — it's a heartfelt mission to help kids, young adults and families move beyond trauma," Emma said. "The work the KIDS Foundation does is deeply moving, and I'm proud to ride beside a community of people committed to healing and hope."
Led by Founder and CEO Dr Susie O'Neill OAM, the KIDS Foundation has transformed the lives of young people for over 30 years. Through injury and trauma prevention, rehabilitation and resilience-building programs, the Foundation continues to inspire positive change across Australia.
"We are incredibly excited to have Emma join us as an ambassador for Tour d'Horse 2025. Emma brings real passion for helping others. She'll play an important role in sharing our message and supporting our mission to reach even more trauma and injury saviours and their families."
This year, Tour d'Horse coincides with the Scone Horse Festival and will be represented by some of the racing industry's biggest names, including Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Peter Snowden, Michael Freedman, Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald, Anthony and Sam Freedman, and Richard and Will Freedman.
Major racing industry supporters include Magic Millions, Inglis, Coolmore Australia, Godolphin, Yulong, Twin Hills Stud, Newgate Stud, Makybe Diva Stables, Bennett Racing, James Harron Bloodstock, and the Melbourne Racing Club Foundation.
Additional partners supporting this year's ride include RB Sellers, Petstock Foundation, AON/Affinity Equine Insurance, John Grant, and legendary film director Simon Wincer.
Tour d'Horse runs from 11–18 May in Scone, NSW. The horses involved are all retired racehorses, retrained by Anthony "Anto" White OAM and Alec White of Belltrees.
The 2025 goal is to raise $1 million, extending the reach of the KIDS Foundation's programs to support over 300,000 children, young adults and families across Australia.
Join Emma Hawkins. Support the riders. Help change lives.
