Last year I jumped headfirst at the opportunity to work for The BHS, and nearly a year on I am still discovering all of the amazing work they do for the equestrian community and beyond. 

I feel so lucky to be working in my dream job as their Marketing and Communications manager and find myself inspired every day, by the people who work for, and with, the Society, the work we do and most importantly the reason we all do it, our love and passion for horses. 

To help raise funds for the BHS, I have opted to take up the reins to compete in the Wetherby charity race. This really is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and up until now only ever a crazy day dream of mine, but I've been given the chance to head to the starting line and race eight furlongs around a famous race course! 

I'm not going to lie, when that acceptance email came through, sudden panic set in - quickly Google - 'how fit are jockeys?' = Terrifying search results...

A combination of a disciplined diet and an intense training regime, involving long running sessions, ensures that jockeys are some of the fittest athletes on the planet.

But then I remembered why I applied, working for The BHS I have seen first hand how the money raised through my fundraising will be put to good use! 

Your donation will: 

• Create a safer world for horses and riders - helping to fund momentous road safety education campaigns such as ‘Dead Slow’, continuing to improve road safety for horses and riders. 
  
• Protect and improve access - launch new routes, defend and extend existing routes and promote safe, easily accessible off-road riding for everyone.
• Improve horse welfare - Promote the prevention of neglect through education with dedicated volunteer welfare officers, who continue to tackle harm and suffering, and provide support, advice and education to equestrians. Working for a world in which the welfare of horses is universally respected and protected.
• Among so many other incredible initiatives to increase participation in the sport and educate the future generation of equestrians...