SANDBRIDGE — Riders and horses from far and wide came to Little Island Park on Saturday, Nov. 4, for a Beach Ride supporting the Virginia Beach Police Mounted Patrol.
The event is organized by the Friends of the Virginia Beach Police Mounted Patrol, a nonprofit group that helps the patrol by providing equipment and support to officers and their equine partners.
Peggy Nelson, president of the group, said the event drew about 90 riders and was one of the biggest they have held yet.
“We sold a lot of t-shirts, and made some money so we can turn around and help the officers and the equine officers,” Nelson said in an interview. “It’s a worthy cause.”
On the day of the ride, Jeanne Ianni of Pungo and Marge Midgett of Back Bay rode in support of the mounted patrol.
Ianni said she has participated in beach rides for years.
“It was a great day for it,” Midgett said.
“I used to live at the Oceanfront,” Ianni said. “Just their presence has always done a great job controlling the crowds.”
A number of people came from out of town, including Merrit Jackson from Midlothian, who rode Traveler, experiencing the beach for the first time.
“It’s a bucket list item – to ride on the beach with my horse. … He’s doing great, except he doesn’t understand the water.”
The Friends of the Virginia Beach Mounted Patrol are always looking for help from people who care about the work of the patrol. The group meets at 1 p.m., on the second Sunday of each month, at the Mounted Patrol Barn, 2089 Indian River Road. Interested folks are welcome to attend, or they can reach Nelson via peggyssnc@gmail.com.
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