The 11th annual Ryerss Run for the Horses, which will include a 10K run, a 5K run and a 1-mile walk, will be held on Saturday, April 22, at Ryerss Farm, 1710 Ridge Road, Pottstown. Registration will begin at noon, and the race and walk will start at 1 p.m. sharp, rain or shine. All proceeds will benefit the retired and rescued horses that reside at the farm.

To register, visit http://www.ryerssfarm.org/run-for-the-horses.

The runs and walk will take participants along a cross-country course throughout the farm, through fields and around pastures. The walkers will take a 1-mile route that is closer to the farm. Runners in the 5K and 10K will be electronically timed. Winners in various age divisions will receive medals.

"The most popular (events) are the 1-mile walk and the 5K run," noted Lynn Seeburger, a member of the Ryerss board of managers, noting that many adults enjoy the 1-mile walk with their children. "There are no age restrictions," she said.

The site's gift shop will be open during the day, offering equine-related items, including plush miniature horses and Ryerss apparel such as hats, T-shirts and hoodies.

On the day of the event, people will be able to visit the horses that reside at the farm. "Many of the horses gather along the fence to watch the runners pass by. They get very excited," Seeburger said, noting that spectators are also welcome to cheer on the runners.

In 2022, more than 300 participants took part in the event. "After COVID, we had our biggest run," said Seeburger. "Last year, we had a downpour right at 1 p.m. and people still took part."

In addition to meeting the horses on April 22, community members are welcome to visit the horses daily between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.

Those who want to feed snacks to the horses are asked to purchase treats from the gift shop. "Older horses can't have a lot of sugar, and there is sugar in apples and carrots (brought from home)," Seeburger noted. "We have special treats that are low in sugar."

Founded in 1888, Ryerss Farm is a nonprofit organization that cares for aged, abused or injured horses, providing a home with 383 acres where they can spend their golden years. The horses at Ryerss are never worked or ridden again.

Ryerss Farm is located on Route 23 in Warwick and South Coventry townships. For more information, call 610-469-0533 or visit http://www.facebook.com/ryerss.farm or http://www.ryerssfarm.org.