After a two year hiatus due to COVID, Curtis Anderson and his supporters will hit the trails for the 17th Annual Courage Canada Trail Ride to Support Brain Injury on Saturday, May 28.
Anderson is a 20 year Extremely severe Traumatic Brain Injury survivour following a devastating head-on collision with a bull’s head while competing in the bull riding event at the Ponoka Stampede on June 26, 2002. He spent three weeks in a drug-induced coma and then spent a week short of a year in therapy learning how to walk, talk, regain the use of his left arm and basic life skills. Over the past years, Anderson has continued to make improvements in his recovery, all the while working to help others enduring similar injuries.
“After 20 years, I know the bottom line; that there is no such thing as I can’t with anything you want to do in life,” commented Anderson.
Anderson also speaks to schools, and various public events throughout the province and Western Canada.
“During your recovery, you are going to climb mountains and walk through valleys, but that is what builds character to see how strong you are, and what you are made of,” stated Anderson.
Anderson started the Courage Canada Trail ride in 2004 to help support Brain Injury awareness and to put Brain Injury recognition on the map.
“I wanted to give other Brain Injury survivours a chance to be around horses and spend time in the sunshine, in the past we had wagons available. The trail ride day consists of a 10-mile ride on pasture, and then we go to the Innisfree Recreation Centre for a big roast beef supper and a silent and live auction. The trail ride also makes a great family-friendly event and you can bring the whole family out to enjoy horseback and the blue skies and sunshine,” explained Anderson.
Anderson also commented that he would like to thank all the supporters of the Courage Canada Trail Ride over the years and that with all their help he is/was able to raise funds to help Brain Injury survivours go on field trips through the organizations he supports and helps to bring the survivours to the ride again the next time.
“This trail ride is a good cause and I hope to see you all again this year,” commented Anderson.