Teen Challenge Derby Raises $84,000 to Help Troubled WA Youth

Let’s Impress and Sophie 'Riding for a Reason' (photos: Annabel Cowcher)

Chelsea McInnes flying the last fence in front of the VIPs

On Sunday 29 April, Swan River Showjumping Club held the Teen Challenge Derby to help raise funds for the Teen Challenge Foundation, which provides programmes to assist troubled youth in WA.

Eventer, Sophie Warren, with many other competitors, was keen to help out with the fund raising and decided to "Ride for a Reason" and compete in the event.

The Teen Challenge Derby ended up being a massive success with $84,000 raised for the Teen Challenge Foundation, a huge contribution, which is enough to run 80% of their programme for the next year!

Riding Let’s Impress, Sophie finished second in the 120cm Derby, less than half a second behind fellow eventer, Lindsay Honey, who took out first place riding Bindaboo.

The Horseland Team, comprised of riders Leon Carrol, Lindsay Honey and Rosie Oliver, won the Teams competition, while Sophie and fellow team mates, Nakita Barber and Lucinda Bunning - riding for design company HBO+EMTB (http://www.hboemtb.com/) - placed fourth.

Sophie was impressed with the event, saying, "the Derby course was fantastic, held at Brookleigh Estate, it was the perfect mix of terrain and had a real 'mini Hickstead Derby' feel to it!"

To top off a successful competition, Sophie was thrilled to be declared the fifth highest fundraiser and would like to thank all her supporters. "It was a thrill to be part of such a great competition – not only did I have a fantastic time riding, but also being part of such a great initiative to help a good cause has been fantastic. As a good friend of mine said: 'You have won in many ways. You have won because you made an effort to help others, you have won because you did and you have won because you competed and excelled. You should be very proud of what you have given others'."

Congratulations to Sophie and to all the other riders and fundraisers!

Quick Link

• Read more about Sophie and the lead up to the event

• Anyone still wishing to pledge a donation to Teen Challenge can do so through www.everydayhero.com.au/sophie_warren.