The 37th annual American Heart Association Beach Ride started on Wednesday.

The five-day event is at the Lakewood Camping Resort.

About 1,300 horses and trail riders are on the Grand Strand for the event this year.

“We raise a little over $300,000 every year to go back to fund great programs and research in the area and across the country,” said Rachel Urban, a regional vice president with the American Heart Association.

This is the only time of year horses are allowed on the beach in Myrtle Beach city limits.