Ride for Bethany

In August 2018, Faith N Friends lost a loyal volunteer and adopter to suicide.

To honor the life and memory of Bethany Lawson and to promote national suicide prevention awareness month, Daniel Boone Trails Saddle Club, Faith N Friends Horse Rescue and Sanctuary, and Jessica Dannette are hosting a benefit ride at Pine Creek Church Road in London, KY. The ride will begin at 10:00am on Saturday, September, 29th and a dinner will follow at 3:00pm. Each rider will pay $10 and kids will ride for free. Dinner is optional and each meal will cost $6. All proceeds will go to Bethany’s parents, Melissa and Anthony Lawson, to help with funeral expenses, and to Faith N Friends.

Find the Facebook event here: Benefit Ride for Bethany Lawson

In the summer of 2017, Faith N Friends rescued a beautiful black mare named Annie. She was a spit fire and we knew it would take a special person to love and accept Annie. Soon after her arrival, Annie met that special person – 15 year old Bethany. Bethany and her sweet mother, Melissa, came to the farm originally to look at another rescued horse but it was love at first sight when Bethany met Annie. Bethany committed to spending months taking riding lessons at the rescue to learn how to communicate and build a trusting relationship with Annie so she could eventually take her home and integrate her with their small herd. Bethany was an absolute joy to work with. She showed bravery, patience, and understanding as we worked with her and Annie through the fall until she took Annie to her forever home in November 2017.
She would ride Annie across the fields, beaming from ear to ear, so full of joy, life, and love. Her gentleness, compassion, and love for a horse who others gave up on was a testimonial to the strength of her heart and character. Bethany was a part of the Faith N Friends family and she will forever have a place in our hearts. We love you, Melissa, and you are our family as well. We send our deepest condolences to you, your family, and to Annie who so loved her sweet guardian. Rest in peace, Bethany. You will always be cherished.

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.