Horse show coming

By Paul Dunlop
TWO people’s love of horsing around has made dozens of sick children’s wishes come true.
Tynong North couple Don Cossor and Sue Carra each year organise a Western Breeds horse show as a fundraiser for the Make a Wish Foundation, which has a hardworking branch servicing the CardiniaCasey region.
Mr Cossor said their involvement began after a barbecue at their daughter’s home several years ago. It was Melbourne Cup day and the event raised money for Make a Wish.
“They made $210 and as we were driving home I said to my wife, ‘Suzie, I can feel a horse show coming on’.
“Those poor women had worked all day for $210. I thought, ‘they deserve better than that, and I think we can do a bit to help’.”
In seven years, the annual horse show at Tonimbuk has raised about $70,000.
Mr Cossor said the annual target was between $10,000$15,000.
“We’ve been into horse shows for years, I do announcing and Sue is a judge. We follow the circuit around.
“We wanted to help out in some way and running the shows is what we know how to do.”
Established in 1985, the Make a Wish has spread magic and joy to over 4000 children and young people with a lifethreatening illness across Australia by granting their most cherished wishes.
Mr Cossor said his heart went out to the children.
“They do break your heart when you see the poor little mites. It’s terribly hard on their parents and families, anything we can do to help, we will.
“Every year I say it’s getting too much for a poor old pensioner like me but we go again because of the kids.”
Kaye Havers of the CardiniaCasey Make a Wish branch said Don and Sue’s work was fantastic and much appreciated.
“They do a terrific job, they really work hard on it all year,” she said.
The Western Breeds Horse Show will be held this Saturday and Sunday at the Tonimbuk indoor arena in Sanders Road, Tonimbuk.
This year will have a very special attraction with a demonstration of Tennessee walking horses.
The dedicated Make a Wish catering team will be cooking up a storm while a monster auction on Sunday will see everything from dog food to jewellery go under the hammer.
Entry is free. Phone 5942 9060 for more details.