Welcome to the JustGiving page for Tracy Skelly and Rae Samms’ Charity Ride in India!

In October 2012, we will be riding across Rajasthan, India to support the British Horse Society’s welfare work. The BHS is the UK’s largest and most influential equestrian charity and the only horse charity representing the wide range of issues affecting both horses and riders on a daily basis. Sadly, many owners are unknowledgeable about horse care or choose not to fulfill their obligations to look after the health and welfare of their horses, which is where the BHS comes in.

·The BHS has 180 welfare officers and over 10,000 volunteers

·In 2010, BHS welfare officers responded to more than 1,000 reported welfare issues

·3,500 horses were left chained or tied without adequate food, water or shelter in 2011

·8,000 horses were slaughtered for meat in 2010 – a 50% increase from previous years

The BHS provides invaluable education about disease and illnesses such as laminitis, strangles, African Horse Sickness and West Nile Virus. They have also developed the Emergency Services Protocol, which provides specific guidelines for the emergency rescue of horses, and have championed safer conditions for the long distance transport of horses to slaughter. Every horse in the UK is automatically a member, and as a result the BHS’s work is vital in ensuring that when help is needed, they are able to respond.

We feel very strongly about the importance of the work the BHS do and have therefore decided to actively raise funds to aid in their work. The BHS Challenge Rides have been ongoing since 2000 and have been hugely successful in raising funds to enable them to continue their vital work. Our specific ride will be over a 10 day period from 16th to 26th October this year and will take place in Rajasthan.

We would be so very grateful for your support in enabling us to do this Challenge Ride and will be sure to give you a full report back on our return! Please give generously as the BHS is a truly worthy charity!