NATCHEZ — David Carter is looking to bring horseback riding back into fashion in Natchez.

At the same time, the trainer and Adams County Extension Office director wants to help disabled and sick youth in the community.

That’s why he and Sandy Creek Farms owner Brian Breaux got together to hold a St. Jude’s Trail Ride Nov. 15.

The event, called Saddle Up for St. Jude, will start Saturday at noon, and the four-hour ride will start at 1 p.m.

It started as an end-of-year party for a horse training class held by the extension office.

“We just thought it was a good chance to have fun,” Carter said. “A lot of the ladies decided what they wanted to do to bring everybody together, and once we started planning it just got bigger and bigger.”

Those interested in riding are asked to get a sponsor to cover their $20 entry fee or more, or they are asked to pay $20 themselves to ride ($10 per child).

There will be a family night following the ride with a $5 entry fee per person. Attractions include a chili dinner, silent auction, door prizes, a hayride, an exotic zoo, pony rides and live music.

Carter said he expects to have more than 100 horses and riders on the trail ride.

“It started out as this small thing, and it just kind of grew from there,” he said. “We do a lot of youth programs. Whenever you can help youth that have needs, medically and health-wise, you’re always going to come out on top.”

The money raised will go to St. Jude’s Hospital, which researches childhood diseases.

The organization’s operating costs are about $1.3 million per day, and most of the money raised is through private donations and fundraisers.

“Out of all the money we raise, 90 percent goes directly to research,” Carter said. “There are some big sponsors, and $6,000 to $7,000 has already been donated.”

Breaux said he felt this was a good opportunity to showcase the work he’s done on his property since 2003.

“It’s to give back as well as share and let people realize how good we really have it,” Breaux said. “These kids who are sick and dying at St. Jude’s aren’t as fortunate as we are.”

He’s also interested in bringing back the excitement about horses that Natchez once had.

“Twenty years ago we used to have big arenas and things,” Breaux said. “Horseback riding was big back then, and then it died off. Since (Carter is) the new director for that area, he’s trying to get something going, and that’s why we chose this.”

Sandy Creek Farms has horses, Texas Longhorns, donkeys, tortoises, water buffalo, camels, zebras, peacocks, ducks, geese and a kangaroo, just to name some of its exotic animals.

It’s a hilly but easy trail, which Breaux and Carter both said will be perfect for the event.

The famous Silverado, the wild horse Carter trained for competition, will be leading the trail ride.

Sandy Creek Farms is located 12 miles southeast of Natchez on Liberty Road, at gate four.

Participants who raise $20 or more receive a lapel pin, and those whoe raise $35 or more get a T-shirt. A $75 donation gets the rider a hat, and those who raise $150 or more get a saddle bag.

Contact Carter at the MSU Extension Service at 601-445-8201 for more information.