In August, riders, volunteers and spectators gathered at Hidden Creek Equestrian Center in Kunkletown for the seventh annual Ride 4 Hope Musical Challenge to benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Teams of one, two and four horse-and-rider pairs took to the arena to perform intricate patterns and creative illusions choreographed to music. Like a traditional horse show, these accomplished dressage riders were scored by of a pair of licensed judges based on their choreography, accuracy, and how well they completed required movements. However, unlike most equestrian events, the audience ultimately determined the winners.Spectators had the opportunity to vote with money for their favorite teams - $1 equaled one point added to the judges' scores. All money raised from votes, along with T-shirt sales and post-event fundraising, will be donated in full to St. Jude.This year, the challenge was split into three divisions. In the Musical Freestyle division, five individual horse and rider pairs performed advanced patterns to music of their choosing, much like ballet solos or a gymnastics floor routine. In the Team division, one Pas de Deux (two horses and riders) and three Quadrilles (four horses and riders) performed together, similar to a synchronized swimming routine. Lastly, the event welcomed the debut of a Miniature Horse Driving division. Two miniature horses and their owners completed freestyles, but instead of riding, the horses pulled small carts.Musical themes for the performances varied greatly from Wild West to "Star Wars" to pop music favorites. Many riders donned coordinating costumes, which were a huge hit with spectators. In the end, the audience was pleased to see their favorites take home gold medals.The Musical Freestyle division was won by a "George Strait" freestyle ridden by 15-year-old Holly Ahner of Lehighton. The judges and spectators applauded Holly and her horse, Epik, as their choreography was well-executed and spot-on to their music. Ashley Coleman, 18, of Kunkletown, took the silver medal with her "Star Wars" freestyle, complete with costumes for she and her horse, Duncan.In the team division, the clear winners were members of quadrille team who performed to music from the animated classic "Spirit." These riders, who were the youngest in the entire competition, entertained and amazed the crowd with their tough choreography and beautiful costumes. Gold Medal team members included Riley Schreiber, 10, from Kunkletown; Allison Roecker, 10, from Blairstown, New Jersey; Jaclyn James, 10, from Effort; and Irina Milanese, 13, from Kunkletown.The silver medal team was the Wild West riders, followed by a pas de deux to music from "Frozen," and a quadrille to "Old Hollywood" tunes.It is already estimated that the event raised over $4,000 for St. Jude. Since its inception, Ride 4 Hope has raised nearly $25,000 total for the children's hospital and research center based in Tennessee. St. Jude treats and cures childhood cancer and other diseases every day, regardless of a family's ability to pay for their child's care. They have also pioneered treatments and cures used all over the world, and have drastically increased the survival rates of numerous childhood cancers. The Ride 4 Hope Musical Challenge is held at Hidden Creek Equestrian Center every year to give hope to the children and families at St. Jude.