Christmas Charity Ride
Ireland’s most spectacular equestrian Christmas charity event — celebrating 20 years since 2007.
Save the date
Celebrating 20 Years on Saturday 5th December 2026
Join us for the 20th Anniversary Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride. Two decades of Santa suits, community spirit, and life-changing support for Uganda — and we’re just getting started.
A sea of red through Saintfield
Each December, hundreds of riders from across the island dress as Santa and take part in one of Ireland’s most unique equestrian charity spectacles — the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride.
What began as a local act of generosity has become a fixture of the regional Christmas calendar, drawing crowds to Main Street as the procession turns Saintfield into a sea of red.
How it all began
The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride began in 2007, when local horsewoman Joan Cunningham organised a festive charity ride to raise funds for underprivileged children in Uganda and Rwanda through Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust. What started as a small community event has grown into one of Northern Ireland's most cherished Christmas traditions, raising tens of thousands of pounds for charitable causes in Uganda and across Northern Ireland. A defining moment came when the Mwamba Children's Choir from Uganda visited Saintfield in 2007 and again in 2009. Made up of children who had lost parents through HIV/AIDS, conflict and poverty, the choir's songs, faith and resilience touched the hearts of everyone they met, giving our community a personal connection to the lives they were helping to transform.
One of those children was Pius Kulama. Having lost both of his parents before the age of five, Pius grew up as an orphan and was one of the many children whose life was positively impacted through the support made possible by the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride. Today, he serves as a Trustee of the Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride Charitable Trust, working alongside founder Joan Cunningham to help lead its next chapter. As a former beneficiary, he is now committed to transforming his home village of Kabumba through the Kabumba Model Village initiative, creating opportunities through education, healthcare, enterprise and sustainable community development.
Ride history
From a small community ride to a 20-year tradition of generosity.
The Journey Begins
The first Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride is held, inspired by the visiting Mwamba Choir. Funds are raised for children in Uganda through Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust.
Mwamba Choir Returns
The Mwamba Choir returns to Northern Ireland, helping raise funds towards the development of an orphanage in Uganda.
Annual Charity Events
The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride continues each December, alongside the annual summer Saintfield Horse Show, bringing the community together to raise funds for charitable causes at home and in Uganda.
End of an Era
After many years of partnership supporting children in Uganda, Rock Ministries Northern Ireland Trust retires.
A New Partnership
A new partnership begins with IAM Academy through IAM Family Ministries, including funding for a borehole providing clean water to the school and surrounding community.
Uganda Project Fund
The Uganda Project Fund is established, supporting the Kabumba borehole, classroom construction and wider community development.
Charity Registered
Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride becomes a registered Northern Ireland charity, strengthening its foundation for the future.
20th Anniversary
The 20th Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride marks two decades of fundraising, community spirit and lasting impact in Northern Ireland and Uganda.
The route
A festive countryside hack finishing with a warm welcome on Saintfield Main Street.
Meet & greet
Riders arrive for a mulled wine and mince pie reception before the ride.
Countryside hack
Follow the Real Santa in a horse-drawn carriage on a scenic ~3 mile route. A shorter route is available for children.
Main Street arrival
Approximately 1pm the Ride comes over Todds Hill and onto Saintfield Main Street for a festive town-centre celebration.
How the day unfolds
Riders gather for a festive mulled wine and mince pie reception before mounting up around midday to follow the “Real Santa” in a magnificent horse-drawn carriage on a countryside hack of about three miles. A shorter route is available for young children; inexperienced riders should be led.
At approximately 1pm, the Ride comes over Todds Hill and onto Saintfield Main Street. Santa meets children at the Christmas tree while street entertainment fills the town — a Christmas moment not to be missed.
Entry is £20 for adults and £10 for children, which includes the mulled wine and mince pie reception.
The Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride will take place on Saturday, 5th December 2026.
Registration: Open
Where your entry fee goes
Funds raised through the Ride support the Kabumba Model Village in Kikandwa Sub-county, Mityana District, Uganda. Library construction is already underway; further facilities — including a computer resource centre, school, and sports ground — are planned, with details to be published as confirmed.
Frequently asked questions
When is the 2026 Ride?
Saturday 5th December 2026. Riders gather from late morning, with the ride setting off around midday.
Where does it start?
Riders meet at the usual Saintfield location for a mulled wine and mince pie reception before the hack. The precise meeting point is shared with registered riders.
How long is the route?
The main hack is approximately 3 miles through countryside before coming over Todds Hill and onto Saintfield Main Street. A shorter route is available for children.
How much does it cost?
Entry is £20 for adults and £10 for children. This includes the festive reception and helps fund the Kabumba Model Village.
Who can take part?
The Ride is a hack suitable for most riders. Children must be accompanied and supervised. Inexperienced riders should be led.
Can I sponsor the Ride?
Yes. Businesses and individuals can support the event through sponsorship, donations, or in-kind help. Please contact us to discuss packages.
Ride gallery
Memories from Christmases past.
Take part
The Ride is strictly a hack and is suitable for most riders. To register or ask about the next Ride, contact Joan Cunningham:
Phone: 07775 860744