Rising to the Challenge!

It’s time for me to practise what I preach. In the spirit of raising funds for the great work of The BHS, I am taking up the challenge of staying in the saddle for goodness knows how many hours a day traversing the Andes in Patagonia. Certainly a far cry from my gentle hacks in Buckinghamshire!

I have admired your dedication and effort in raising funds for our important work. It’s high time I joined you. Why not?

At home, I’m a happy hacker and very modest competitor. Like you, I give my horse the best quality of life I can, but not all horses are this fortunate. And this is where the work of BHS Welfare begins.

In 2014, I’m proud to say our team handled over 1,400 reports of welfare concerns throughout the country, vastly improving the lives of countless horses, ponies and donkeys.

A fundraiser like no other

The funds raised through BHS Challenge Rides allow our Welfare Officers to help thousands of horses. The British Horse Society has over 200 equine specialist welfare officers, far more people on the ground than any other charity. These special people tirelessly provide support, advice and education for horses and their owners to remedy problems before they become full-blown welfare cases. In increasingly serious situations, we work with partner organisations to reach the best possible resolution for the horses.

So what can I expect?

My challenge will follow the Chilean Lake District on old smugglers' routes, crossing rivers, skirting lakes and finding our way through dense forests. I am assured that the horses have a sure foot, in good health and are well-trained for the Andean terrain. I certainly hope so!

Crossing the Andes, I’ll be riding way beyond any roads in a true wilderness experience. I am told that this is the trip of a lifetime, but no picnic!

Now, I ask for your help in acknowledging and furthering the great work of our BHS welfare team. On behalf of The British Horse Society and the dear horses we protect – thank you for your generosity.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the BHS.