If you're reading this, I've successfully cajoled you into hearing more about a great cause I'm fundraising for - if not, let me tell you about a great cause I'd love some help fundraising for.

My love affair with horses has been a constant in my life for the past two decades; my partner-in-crime Domino featuring in 13 years of them. He's a lovely cob, 27 years old, safe as houses, and an ex-Riding For The Disabled horse. As I'm turning 30 this year, I wanted to challenge myself. Building on this equine love affair, I couldn't think of a better way than perching on fit, athletic (sorry Domino!) racehorses as they gallop round a racecourse at high speed.

I'm lucky enough to have much-appreciated support from Cotswold trainer Fergal O'Brien and his wonderful team, who have been extremely generous with their time and knowledge in teaching me how to handle and ride racehorses - worlds apart from lovely little Domino, but equally as handsome.

Coming from a corporate background, this is quite the challenge for me: I’m riding out two lots once a week before getting back to my home office for 9am, I’m squeezing in gym sessions wherever possible, and trying to get fit enough to pass the gruelling fitness test in September. 

The British Horse Society protects horses and the equestrian community, safeguarding their heritage for future generations to come, and works to improve therapy through horses - making it the perfect charity to team with.

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Road Safety: Too many horses and riders are being killed or injured on UK roads. Over the past year there have been over 1,000 incident reports on our roads involving horses; 180 have been injured and 46 killed - but we know only one in ten incidents are reported. We are dedicated to improving the safety of UK riders.

Horse Welfare: The BHS responds to over 6,000 welfare cases each year, but there are a thousand more in need of help. We work hard to promote the prevention of neglect, cruelty and harm to horses and provide support, advice and education to horse owners to try and remedy problems before they become too serious.

Future Generations: Horses have a powerful way of inspiring disengaged young people to reconnect with society. Our Changing Lives through Horses programme aims to improve the lives of disengaged young people and give them the opportunity to develop skills that enable them to return to education and/or employment.