The same weekend as the Kentucky Derby, hundreds of horses will head out on the trail in the Santa Ynez Valley for the annual ride of the Rancheros Visitadores.
Riders will begin their 96-year-old traditional ride with a parade through the streets of Solvang, 3 p.m. Saturday, May 2.
The community is invited to gather at Mission Santa Inés to witness a blessing of the riders and a check presentation to the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara. Organizers anticipate more than 750 Rancheros from 37 states and six countries will gather for this event.
As they do each year, Rancheros will honor and remember those members who have passed away, including riders such as Charles Cappel, Josiah “Si” Jenkins, James Glines, and Steve Beneto, who was the impetus behind the annual fundraising drive…