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.

Rancho Vistadores members ride on horseback and in a horse-drawn wagon with American Flag flying in the back. (Courtesy poto)
The annual ride usually attracts some 750 Rancheros from 37 states and six countries. (Courtesy photo)

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.

With a goal of raising $2 million cumulatively in advance of the 2027 ride, the fundraising committee of JB Balch, Anthony Borgatello, David Lamb, Peter Oppenheimer, Russ Penniman, Daren Peterson and Kelly Riley are well on their way to achieving their target, with $1.9 million already raised.

In addition to making personal contributions, the men encourage other members of their camp to contribute.

“As Steve Beneto said, we have found a cause we believe in. We understand the importance of supporting cancer care in the community we return to year after year,” said John W. Jones, Jr., Ranchero el presidente. “Our goal last year was to raise $165,000, and we greatly exceeded it, raising more than $200 K.

“As we continue our support of the Cancer Foundation and the services they fund at the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, we know that patients are able to access services, such as patient navigation, genetic counseling and nutrition support, that help them survive and even thrive during treatment.”
 
“The Cancer Foundation remains tremendously grateful to the Rancheros Visitadores for their ongoing support of cancer care,” said Lori Willis, executive director of the foundation. “Their commitment helps to shine a light on the importance of these programs for residents of the Valley and the greater Santa Barbara community.”
 
This year marks the 14th ride the Rancheros Visitadores, in partnership with Wrangler, have raised funds for the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara.

As the largest contributor to Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, the Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara funds a variety of research and supportive care programs at Ridley-Tree Cancer Center, both in Santa Barbara and Solvang, to help residents on their journey with, through and beyond cancer.

The Cancer Foundation of Santa Barbara works to deliver superior cancer care to everyone in Santa Barbara County and provides significant philanthropic support to the Ridley-Tree Cancer Center.

To learn more, visit www.cfsb.org.