Hope Reins founder Kylie Read starts 1,200km Ride for Hope from Gympie to Longreach

Kylie Read admits she is not really into riding horses, but there is a good reason the equine therapy expert will be seated in a saddle for the next nine bum-bruising weeks.

On the morning of her 50th birthday last Sunday, the co-founder of rescue charity Hope Reins set off to tackle a challenging 1,200-kilometre Ride for Hope from Gympie to Longreach, to raise awareness and money for mental health charities.

"From the age of two to 16, I was on a horse's back every day and I actually think I'm probably here because of the horses that I've had in my life," Ms Read said.

"I tend not to ride very much but I love hanging out with horses. I love training them, helping sort out problems they may have."

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Article written by: Jennifer Nichols