Myrtle Beach area event gives horse lovers given a reason to ride

When Cliff Cox first started coming to the Jack Monroe Beach Ride in 2004, it was all about one thing: being able to ride his horse on the beach.

But then Cox began to "get what it was all about," he said. Namely, raising money for the American Heart Association.

"Everyone has someone in their family or friends who has been affected by heart disease," said Cox, now the chairman of the rider committee. "This is a cause that is the answer to that. People ask what they can do about it; do this."

And Cox isn't the only rider-turned-volunteer for the event.

Bob Riddle was helping check horses for disease as their owners checked into Lakewood Camping Resort on Wednesday.

Riddle said he has been a part of the event for 10 years, first riding and now volunteering.

"It's a good cause, and I like the event," Riddle said. "This is the only place riders can come to an organized ride on the beach."

In its 29 years, the event has evolved as much as the people running it have.

During the first ride, in 1981, there were about 20 riders. This year, more than 1,000 are expected.

The ride was started by Jack Monroe, who has survived four heart attacks and has since retired as the official chairman of the event.

But Monroe is still involved with the event that carries his name.

"To this day, he helps us get the permits for it," said Ryan Hannan, of the Myrtle Beach branch of the American Heart Association.

Margaret Monroe, Jack Monroe's wife, died earlier this year and will be honored with a special memorial on Saturday night.

"Margaret knew everyone," said Hannan. "She was a phenomenal supporter of the event."

The memorial for Margaret Monroe isn't the only change for this year's event, he said.

"We've done a lot of revamping," said Hannan.

For the first time, riders will be able to ride south of Lakewood's campgrounds into Surfside Beach.

"We're really excited about that. For 29 years, we've always rode that way," he said, pointing north.

And there are also some new events for riders to enjoy, including a veterinary seminar and added entertainment options.

Events start today with a silent auction, chili cook-off and welcome party. Friday is the inaugural Surfside Beach ride and poker run, where riders pick up a poker card at five stops during their ride. The 20-mile beach ride takes place on Saturday.

Sara Nelson, the event director, said the new events are at the request of the riders.

"For the last few years, people have been wanting more events," she said. "They're here for five days, so the more we can keep them entertained, the more likely they are to come back."