On Sunday, 31st May 2026, Team Cherry Orchard joined thousands of women on the streets of Dublin for the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon, taking on the 10K challenge to raise funds for our Equine Retirement Fund.

Our team of 10 was made up of staff, volunteers, friends and family, all coming together for one very important reason: to support the horses who have given so much to Cherry Orchard Equine Centre and our community.

€3,000 Raised for Our Equine Retirement Fund

We set ourselves an ambitious fundraising target of €5,000. It was a big ask, but every member of the team got behind the challenge, set up their own fundraising page and reached out to friends, family and supporters.

We also gave our social media channels quite the workout!

Together, Team Cherry Orchard raised an incredible €3,000 for our Equine Retirement Fund.

We are so grateful to every person who donated, shared our fundraising pages, encouraged the team and supported us along the way. Every donation, no matter the amount, helped us reach this fantastic total.

10K Across Dublin

The atmosphere on the day was electric.

More than 28,000 women were expected to take part in the 2026 event, and Team Cherry Orchard was right there among them, ready to take on 10K across Dublin.

The weather was kind to us. There was a little rain at the start, but thankfully it cleared, and the rest of the day stayed dry.

Waiting to cross the start line was all part of the fun, with plenty of singing, dancing and excitement in the crowd.

And, of course, Team Cherry Orchard had something that made us very easy to spot: a horse!

Our horse became the perfect team landmark, helping us keep sight of one another in the crowds. It also proved very popular along the route, with several people stopping to take photos and join in the fun.

Runners, Walkers and Plenty of Team Spirit

Three members of Team Cherry Orchard ran the 10K: equine instructors Kirsty and Nicole, along with Chloe from our CODY Project.

The rest of the team walked the route, each at their own pace and aiming for their own best time.

Whether running or walking, everyone had the same goal: to complete the 10K and raise as much as possible for our horses.

By the end, there were definitely some tired legs, but crossing that finish line felt amazing.

We came back together for a team photo and a well-earned celebration after completing the challenge. It was a brilliant day filled with teamwork, laughter and a real sense of achievement.

Why the Equine Retirement Fund Matters

Our horses are at the heart of Cherry Orchard Equine Centre. Throughout their lives with us, they help children and young people build confidence, learn new skills and create memories that can last a lifetime.

Horses such as Chester and Travis have given years of care, patience and companionship to generations of children, riders, staff and volunteers.

When the time comes for one of our horses to retire, our responsibility to them does not end.

Retired horses still need safe shelter, grazing, hoof and dental care, veterinary treatment and ongoing health support. The Equine Retirement Fund helps us provide the care they need and ensure that the horses who have given so much can enjoy a safe, comfortable and dignified retirement.

The €3,000 raised by Team Cherry Orchard will help us continue that commitment.

Thank You for Supporting Team Cherry Orchard

To every person who donated, shared a fundraising page, encouraged the team or cheered us on: thank you.

We may have crossed the finish line, but fundraising for our Equine Retirement Fund continues.

If you would still like to support our horses, you can donate through our fundraising page:

Donate to the Cherry Orchard Equine Retirement Fund

Every donation helps us care for our aging and retired horses and give them the retirement they deserve.

And after such a brilliant day, who knows? Team Cherry Orchard may be back again for the VHI Women’s Mini Marathon 2027.

Maybe next year, you’ll join us.