Olympian Amanda Ross Returns to Tour d'Horse 2026 as KIDS Foundation Ambassador
BossMan media
One of Australia’s most respected equestrians, Amanda Ross, will return to the saddle for Tour d’Horse 2026 as an official Ambassador for the KIDS Foundation, marking what she describes as one of the most meaningful chapters of her career.
A former Olympian, high performance coach and leading voice in Australian equestrian sport, Amanda brings decades of experience. It is her perspective, shaped by both elite sport and personal adversity, that makes her involvement in Tour d’Horse especially powerful.
Spanning six days through the Upper Hunter Valley, Tour d’Horse is the KIDS Foundation’s flagship fundraiser, uniting riders, retired racehorses and community to raise critical funds for children and families impacted by trauma, injury and life changing events.
Amanda first experienced the ride in 2025 and found something far deeper than expected.
“It’s one of those experiences where you feel like you receive more than you give,” Amanda said.
“Long hours in the saddle create genuine, lasting friendships, and even the quiet moments riding alone are special.”
Her connection to the event is grounded not only in horsemanship, but in purpose. Having faced breast cancer at just 31, Amanda speaks openly about the role horses have played in her own recovery, not just as athletes, but as quiet and constant healers.
“The horses became my greatest healers, not just through riding, but simply being with them,” Amanda said.
That perspective aligns closely with the work of the KIDS Foundation, where horses sit at the heart of trauma recovery, helping children rebuild trust, confidence and connection.
Now returning as an ambassador, Amanda is committed to using her platform to elevate both the cause and the community behind it.
“Meeting the children supported by KIDS was incredibly moving. Supporting them in even a small way feels like a privilege,” she said.
A passionate advocate for off the track thoroughbreds, Amanda also highlights the significance of Tour d’Horse in showcasing the second careers of retired racehorses, a defining feature of the event.
“Riding an off the track thoroughbred in that environment is truly special. They’re so adaptable, generous and willing,” Amanda said.
“There’s a genuine alignment between the horses, the people and the cause, and it’s what makes the event so unique.”
KIDS Foundation Founder and CEO Dr Susie O’Neill OAM said Amanda’s return reflects the strength and spirit of the Tour d’Horse community.
“Amanda represents everything Tour d’Horse stands for, resilience, connection and purpose,” Susie said.
“Her leadership within the equestrian community, combined with her genuine care for people and horses, makes her an incredibly powerful advocate for the children and families we support.”
Held from 11 to 17 May 2026 at Belltrees Station in the Upper Hunter Valley, Tour d’Horse combines endurance, horsemanship and purpose, often described as a ‘race at a walking pace’, where connection matters more than speed.
Funds raised support the KIDS Foundation’s national programs, reaching more than 300,000 children and families each year through trauma recovery, equine assisted wellbeing and preventative safety education.
As Amanda prepares to ride again in 2026, her motivation is clear, it is not about performance, but impact and making a difference.
“It reminds you why you started with horses in the first place. To know you’re contributing to something that genuinely makes a difference, that’s what stays with you.”
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About Tour d’Horse: Tour d’Horse is the KIDS Foundation’s annual major fundraising event, uniting endurance, horsemanship and purpose in the heart of the Upper Hunter Valley. Held over six days in May, riders traverse challenging terrain across Belltrees Station and surrounding country, pushing themselves physically and mentally in support of children and families impacted by trauma and injury.
Tour d’Horse brings the racing and broader community together, with all riders partnered with retired racehorses. Built on trust, partnership and shared resilience, these off-the-track thoroughbreds carry their riders across the journey, showcasing their athleticism, generosity and adaptability beyond the racetrack, while forging a powerful connection between horse, rider and cause.
In 2025, Tour d’Horse raised $1.17 million, enabling the KIDS Foundation to support more than 300,000 children nationwide. In 2026, the event aims to build on this momentum, raising vital funds to deliver trauma recovery, education and wellbeing programs that help children and families rebuild strong lives. Tour d’Horse 2026 will run from 11 - 18 May.
About KIDS Foundation: KIDS Foundation (Kids-in-Dangerous-Situations) is a leading Australian charity supporting children and young people who have experienced traumatic events resulting in life-altering injuries, burns and genetic conditions that impact appearance and capability. Horses are central to KIDS Foundation programs, offering connection, confidence-building and opportunity through equine-based initiatives. Through trauma recovery programs, camps, customised education and community engagement, KIDS Foundation empowers children and their families to overcome adversity and rebuild strong lives.
Contact details:
Amanda Images: Dropbox link
Photo Credit: Nicole Cleary @nicolocity
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Melanie Mullen: 0418 331 994
KIDS Foundation, PR & Content Lead
[email protected]