The KIDS Foundation is thrilled to announce renowned equestrian athlete and champion for retired racehorses Amanda Ross will be joining the not-for-profit as an ambassador for the foundation and its major fundraising event, Tour d'Horse.
With a career spanning decades, Amanda has consistently demonstrated her prowess in various equestrian disciplines. Her illustrious career includes representing Australia at the Sydney Olympics in 2000 on retired racehorse Otto Schumacher, shortlisted for the Tokyo Olympic Games with off the track horse Koko Popping Candy and competing on the World Cup jumping circuit.
Additionally, she has served as a high-performance coach for the Australian equestrian team.
KIDS Foundation CEO Dr O'Neill OAM welcomed Amanda to the KIDS Foundation family.
"We are delighted to have Amanda Ross join us as an ambassador. Her dedication to equestrian sports and her advocacy for retired racehorses resonates deeply with our mission to promote well-being and care for all beings," Dr O'Neill said.
"The KIDS Foundation is committed to making a significant difference in the lives of children and their families through injury prevention and recovery programs. By creating safer environments and providing support to children who have experienced life-changing injuries, the foundation helps young individuals build resilience and regain confidence."
Amanda expressed her enthusiasm to ride at this year's Tour d'Horse and to be involved as an ambassador for the KIDS Foundation.
"I am honoured to join the KIDS Foundation and to support their incredible work. As an athlete and an advocate for retired racehorses, I believe in promoting well-being and care for all beings. Tour d'Horse is a fantastic platform to raise awareness and funds for such a worthy cause," Amanda said.
Amanda is also heavily involved at Boneo Park Equestrian Centre, one of Australia's most prominent equestrian facilities. Boneo Park is renowned for its state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class events, and commitment to the welfare of horses. Amanda's horses, including Group 1 champion Cascadian, reside at Boneo Park with the support of the Godolphin Lifetime Care Program.
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, Jamie and ben Melham, Peter Snowden, Michael Freedman, Anthony and Sam Freedman, McEvoy and Mitchell Racing, Richard and Will Freedman, as well as Annabel Neasham and Rob Archibald.
Major racing industry supporters also include Magic Millions, Inglis, Coolmore Australia, Godolphin, Yulong, Twin Hills Stud, Newgate Stud, Makybe Diva Stables, Bennett Racing, James Harron Bloodstock, Victorian Jockeys Association and the Melbourne Racing Club Foundation.
Amanda emphasised the importance of community involvement and applauded the involvement of the horse racing industry.
"The support from the racing industry and partners is truly inspiring. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and their families."
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 will include 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 Amanda Ross in supporting the riders and helping to change lives.
