The first Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride took place in 2007 organised by well known Saintfield Horse Woman, Joan Cunningham, to raise funds for under privileged children in Uganda and Rwanda via Rock Ministries N.I.Trust. The Mwamba Choir from Uganda visited Saintfield in 2007 and again in 2009. The choir was made up of children whose parents had either died from AIDs or had been murdered. The Ride since then has gone from strength to strength and is now famous throughout Ireland. Hundreds of Riders from all over the province both North and South of the Border dress up as Santa to take part in this most Unique and Spectacular Christmas Event. Since 2007 many thousands of pounds have been raised.
Plans are now well underway for the 19th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride which will take place on:
Saturday 6th December 2025
Some changes have been made this year which will make the Ride even more exciting. This spectacular Christmas Extravaganza has become one of the most eagerly anticipated on the Christmas calendar. Riders from all over the province dressed up as Santa, will converge on the historical market town of Saintfield to take part.
Once again Father McHugh, Mary Mother of the Church 33, Crossgar Rd., Saintfield are kindly hosting the Charity Ride from their magnificent parking facilities.
All the Santas will arrive for a mulled wine and mince pie Reception at 11 am. The atmosphere will be electric as Christmas Music rings out, getting everyone into the Christmas Spirit.
At 12 noon the Santas will mount up and follow the “Real Santa” in his magnificent carriage.
The ride is strictly a hack and is suitable for most riders. Children or inexperienced riders can be led by an adult. The ride will be approx. three miles long on peaceful countryside roads. A short route can be taken for young children.
Meantime back on Saintfield Main Street the crowds of well wishers will be entertained by the one and only Hugo Duncan MBE, Box Car Brian and Gerard Dornan. At approximately 1pm – 1.15pm the ride will come over Todds Hill turning Saintfield into a sea of red. This spectacular site is not to be missed.
The “Real Santa” in his magnificent carriage will lead the multitude of Santas up the Main Street stopping at the Christmas Tree where Santa will alight from his carriage to meet and greet all the children. The Santas will then continue up the Main Street and turn a round the Fair Green before making their way back down Main Street. We were looking forward to the children’s choir from Uganda coming over this year but unfortunately due to circumstances beyond our control they will not be coming this year.
The cost of the ride will be £20 for adults and £10 for children which includes the mulled wine and mince pie reception.
Further details contact Joan Cunningham on 07775860744 or email joancunningham1@gmail.com.
Please click the link to register for the 2025 Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride https://saintfieldhorseshow.com/events/
The annual Saintfield Christmas charity ride is sponsored by:
