About Us

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  It all started with a phone call. St. Jude Hospital, seeking to stamp out childhood cancer, had an idea to identify influential and dedicated people to start local fundraisers for St. Jude in their respective communities. One of these fundraisers was called Saddle Up For St. Jude and was designed around horseback riding. Through research St. Jude placed a phone call to Mr. Jimmy King of Leighton, Alabama. Jimmy was 62 years old and a long time passionate horse and cattle rancher in Northwest Alabama. Without hesitation, Jimmy King said yes to act as coordinator for the ride and just like that the Northwest Alabama Saddle Up for St. Jude was born!

Gardiner Farms has proudly hosted this event since its 2nd year in 1996 and like everyone we are so thankful that Jimmy King said yes to St. Jude! Coordinated by Circle 5 outfit. this is a fun, family-oriented, fund-raising event, that is based around horseback riding and features local vendors and  music each evening to raise money for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. This wonderful, annual event takes place the 3rd weekend of July.

We have the best volunteers in the world and with your help we have became the largest Saddle Up event in the nation! We have raised over 3.5 Million Dollars for St. Jude hospital so far, with a goal of $400,000 this year. We hope that you will bring your lawn chairs and come out for a wonderful weekend of family, friends, food and fun!