The British Horse Society (BHS) is thrilled to be working with equine influencers across the UK, including Georgia (@lilpetchannel), Emily (emd__eventing94) and Tina (@life_on_the_left_rein), to launch this year’s Rideathon Challenge.
With an increasing number of horse and rider road injuries being reported every year, this annual campaign is critical to help protect safe off-road riding routes and to ensure equestrians can continue to explore the countryside safely.
This July, as part of its 75th anniversary, the BHS are challenging the public to ride or carriage drive as many miles as they can to help reach the overall target of 75,000 miles. The money raised will go towards the BHS’s Ride Out Fund.
Whether it be repairing broken fences and damaged paths, cutting back overgrown trails or installing brand new routes, the Ride Out Fund provides funding for projects which rescue and restore public rights of way for equestrians throughout the UK.
This year, influencers including Georgia (@lilpetchannel), Emily (emd__eventing94) and Tina (@life_on_the_left_rein) are sharing their support for the Rideathon Challenge along with other equestrians from a range of disciplines. By coming together to raise money and spread the word, they are spotlighting the great need to increase and improve off-road access for future generations to come.
Mark Weston, Director of Access at The British Horse Society said: “It is really important that horse riders and carriage drivers have more safe off road routes. Currently, in England and Wales, horse riders only have access to 22% of the public rights of way network and carriage drivers have just 5%. Hacking is a great way to connect with nature and enjoy the countryside with your horse but, without safe and accessible routes, this is at risk.
The more that is raised for the Ride Out Fund, the more projects can be assisted by the BHS to protect, repair and create off-road access.
We’re pleased to have the support of all our brilliant influencers, but we encourage you to get involved too! With our Rideathon Challenge, fundraising couldn’t be easier. We’ve seen all ages and abilities get involved with every activity, and we look forward to welcoming new faces too.”
Emily (emd__eventing94) and Tina (@life_on_the_left_rein) added: “We are super lucky to have lots of stunning off-road routes close by us, but we are aware lots of others aren’t as lucky. Hence why we are delighted to be involved with helping to promote the Rideathon Challenge again this year and assist in raising money for a fantastic cause. We hope others will also get out there, have fun and raise while they ride!”
The Rideathon Challenge is proudly supported by Horse & Country, offering a membership discount on H&C+ to all Rideathon participants and free memberships to the top three fundraisers.
Heather Killen, CEO of Horse & Country said: “H&C are delighted to partner with the team at the BHS for another year on 2023’s Rideathon campaign. We know that well maintained bridleways and access to the countryside are vital for equestrians across the UK – including our members. But this all-important work can’t be achieved without wider support from the equine community.
As such, we’re thrilled to be promoting Rideathon to all of our UK members throughout the coming months – in order to raise vital funds for the campaign.”
The vital work sustained by the Ride Out Fund, and the support from the community, can ensure that we Keep Britain Riding. By taking part in the Rideathon Challenge, equestrians can help support the future of their hobby and ensure that the horse/human bond is experienced by generations to come. You can learn more about the challenge, and how to sign up, by visiting www.bhs.org.uk/rideathon.
