Without volunteers, few community events could be successful. And no one knows that more than Cyndy Ferguson.

Co-chair of the 4th Annual Pink Ride, Ferguson has gathered around her a slew of eager volunteers who have worked tirelessly for several months to make sure that this year’s event is the biggest and best it’s ever been.

The Pink Ride is a horseback trail ride which raises money for breast cancer research. It takes place on Sept. 11.

“Volunteering gives you a chance to give back to a particular cause or to the community,” said Ferguson, a cancer survivor who is now co-chair of the event and is coordinating all the volunteers. “We have about 30 volunteers right now but we’ll definitely have more on the day of the actual event.”

There is much to be done for an event such as the Pink Ride. Participants pay $100 and embark on a leisurely ride from the Western Saddle Club on Berry Hill Road, winds through Berry Wildlife Management property, through Sandy Springs and back to the club. Round trip, it’s a 3-hour ride.

Upon their return, there’s a cookout for riders and volunteers as well as entertainment and prizes.

This year’s event will also include a Trail Obstacle on Sept. 10 starting at 7 p.m.

Participants will maneuver their horses through a course of hurdles, jumps, turns and other obstacles. The competition is open to anyone. Registration is $10 and begins at 5 p.m. on Sept. 10 at the Western Saddle Club.

Both events require setup, registration of participants, logistical support and cleanup. That’s where the volunteers come in.

Melinda Johnson has offered on-site chair massages at the event in previous years and said she enjoys the atmosphere at the Pink Ride.

“It’s so fun and positive and there are people of all ages out there,” she said. “You see all those people who have been impacted by cancer whether it’s a friend or a supporter or a survivor or family member. It’s a wonderful, wonderful environment.”

Johnson will again be offering on-site chair massages to riders and volunteers at this year’s event.

As a way of giving special recognition to the volunteers at this year’s event, Ferguson and event founder Melinda Gresham have purchased pink T-shirts for all the event’s volunteers as well as a separate color for riders.

“We could not do it without them,” Ferguson said. “And the riders are volunteers too. In fact, they’re paying to participate. So they’re going above and beyond and we really really appreciate everyone. The Redmond Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Center has been our top contributor. But I have to thank all our local businesses. No one has turned us down when we asked for donations and prizes.”

Last year’s event raised $9,000 which goes to the Mary Kay Foundation, an organization dedicated to ending women’s cancers and domestic abuse.

The Pink Ride takes place on Sept. 11 at the Western Saddle Club on Berry Hill Road off Technology Parkway. Gates open at 7 a.m. Day-of registration will be available.

The ride begins at 10 a.m.

A minimum of $100 per rider is requested. Participants under 16 years old ride free if accompanied by an adult. The donation includes the ride, a T-shirt and free food and entertainment after the ride.

Visit online at www.westernsaddleclub.org or email pinkride@comcast.net for additional information or to pre-register for the event.

Participants must have previous riding experience and bring their own horse to the event.