The recently organized Cowboys for Christ Southeast Alabama Riders invites all of those who enjoy horseback riding and the great outdoors to join them for a 13.4-mile trail ride along the unpaved roads of Pike County on Saturday.

Loyd Hodge, a member of SEA Riders, said that mules and wagons are also welcome to join the trial ride.

Registration will be at 8:30 a.m. at the old Shellhorn schoolhouse and the trail ride will begin at 10 a.m.

The riders’ fee is $15 for a horse and rider and $10 for those who opt to ride the wagons. Lunch will be included in the registration fee.

“The ride will be about five hours and we plan to stop for lunch somewhere around the old fire tower and we’ll have a devotional along the way,” Hodge said. “It’s pretty country out there and the weather should be nice so we invite everyone to come out and ride with us.

The trail ride is a fundraiser for SEA Riders and supports its efforts the bring The Horse Whisperer back to Pike County.

Chance Hill of Mobile is The Horse Whisperer and he will bring his ministry to Cattleman Park at 7 p.m. on April 21. Admission will be free.

“The Horse Whisperer was here several years ago and he really made a positive impact on a lot of lives with his message,” Hodge said. “We are glad to have him back as a part of the ministry of Cowboys for Christ SEA Riders.”

Hodge said Cowboys for Christ started in Fort Worth, Texas and is now an international organization with chapters in 47 countries but only three in Alabama.

“Cowboys for Christ is a non-denominational ministry where we take the gospel to the people, at rodeos, in hay barns or under some tree on a trail ride,” he said. “Cowboys for Christ conducts Cowboy Church when invited and has tracts to give away and Bibles for those who want one.”

Meetings of Cowboys for Christ SEA Riders are often held in the great outdoors and sometimes around a campfire. At least two trail rides will be planned each year. “SEA Riders is open to horsemen, cattlemen, ranchers and everybody who enjoys riding and wants to share the gospel message,” Hodge said. “Those who join receive the Cowboys for Christ newsletter that is filled with information about horses, cattle and anything cowboy.”

Those who are interested in more information about the SEA Riders are encouraged to call Hodge at 566-7213, Bob Jones at 566-6303 or Tommy Manns at 897-8316.