BY KAREN BOSSICK

Swiftsure Ranch is inviting the community to bet on the ponies as it stages its Third Annual Swiftsure Derby.

The Derby is a virtual horse race designed to raise funds to care for the ranch’s horses that provide free therapy to adults and children with physical, mental and emotional challenges.

Supporters “place bets” by sponsoring a horse. The horse with the most bets by May 7—the official Kentucky Derby Day--crosses the finish line first. Everyone who pony ups will be invited to the ranch for a private tour.

Equine-assisted activities can be helpful for a variety of challenges, including cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, motor control issues, eating disorders, trauma and anger management issues. The ranch is one of the few therapeutic riding centers in the nation that does not charge for its services.

It costs about $4,000 a year to provide for each horse.

To take part, go to https://swiftsureranch.org/derby. Horse sponsors may keep abreast of how well their  horse is doing by visiting the website through May 7.

The race is sponsored by Idaho Lumber.