Carson City Sierra Place hosting ‘Along for the Ride’ fundraiser for wild horses May 3

When Samantha Szesciorka, a former U.S. Army journalist, moved to Nevada in 2008, she quickly fell in love with the Silver State and its wild horses. But she was saddened to learn many wild horses linger in holding facilities because they’re not being adopted.

To encourage more people to consider wild horse adoption, Szesciorka set out on the first Nevada Discovery Ride in 2013. She completed the 452-mile solo horseback ride across the state with her adopted mustang, Sage, and dog, Bella in 30 days. Samantha will undertake a second Nevada Discovery Ride in August, covering more than 1,000 miles within Nevada with Sage and Bella to continue to promote her cause.

Sierra Place Senior Living is hosting “Along for the Ride,” a fundraiser to support wild horse adoption, from 2 to 4 p.m. Tuesday, May 3.

Sierra Place and its parent company, Cascade Living Group, will donate the first $500 for Samantha’s ride. A cowboy hat will be passed at the event for additional donations.

Fundraiser organizers said the event will be more than just raising money, but a celebration of Nevada culture.

In addition to Szesciorka being present with Sage and Bella to talk about this year’s ride, there will be gold-panning demonstrations; and Jim Woods, a local bird expert, will display Nevada birds from the Galena Nature Center.

Additionally, desert tortoises will be on hand; rancher, Lisa Luxembury, will talk about the history of ranching in Nevada, give roping demonstrations and feed a calf from a bottle; Washoe Valley custom saddle maker, Russell Murray, will have one of his decorative saddles on display, and Dennis Richardson, a local bluegrass musician, will set the tone with old-time tunes. Samples of “cowboy cuisine” will be served.

There will also be two groups at the event with information on wild horse adoption: the Wild Horse Preservation League and the Hidden Valley Wild Horse Protection Fund.

The free event is for all ages. Sierra Place is at 1111 W. College Parkway, Carson City.

For information, call 775-841-4111. The public can follow Szesciorka’s progress on www.nevadadiscoveryride.com, where she will post a blog with daily notes from the trail and a mileage tracker.