I was extremely lucky to have ridden in the Wetherby race for the BHS last year, 2024. It was a massive journey and I am so proud of what I achieved. Before that opportunity I had never ridden a race horse or done any level of fitness so learning both of those was an accomplishment.

The sense of knowing I had achieved a dream meant so much that I want to write another chapter! Hence riding again this year.

A couple of very close family members commented that they had never seen me smile so much than I did on that race day! This cemented to me the power of how horses can affect one's wellbeing and mental health. I had never felt happier so if I can raise vital funds to help individuals or groups of people to feel this way when they are around horses, then all the hard work is worth it.

Please follow my journey on my Facebook page: Racing Dream Journey: Chapter Two!!

https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1643VnDC5t/?mibextid=wwXIfr

British Horse Society Information:

• Changing Lives through Horses: Changing Lives through Horses aims to improve the lives of disengaged young people, regardless of their background, and give them the opportunity to develop skills that enable them to return to education and/or employment. Over 4100 young people have benefitted through the power of horses, gaining key life skills, empowering them to achieve and build their self-esteem.

• Welfare: Our Second Chance project rehomes neglected, mistreated and rescued horses, giving them a second chance to discover a better life at one of our BHS Approved Centres. Our centres are home to BHS-qualified professionals who are equipped with the understanding, patience, skills, and knowledge needed to assist and rehabilitate those horses in desperate need.

• Safety: Our Dead Slow campaign seeks to protect vulnerable road users by educating drivers on how to safely pass horses. We work closely with MPs, the police, road safety partnerships, and other safety organisations to ensure change is made to make a difference to equine safety. Download the Horse I app today, to report any incidents. We use this data to lobby government and hold road safety initiatives in your local area

• Social Licensing: The world of horses is changing. The number of riding schools is declining. Our industry is under growing scrutiny. But together we can ensure horses remain an important part of society – and make an even bigger impact for horses and those who care for them too.

• We created the ‘Horses in Society group’ last year, with British Equestrian, the British Veterinary Association and the British Horse Racing Authority, to address public perception around social licencing which is threatening riding schools and the wider industry. Having that larger collective voice, will build understand public understanding and trust, keep horses relevant, and collectively share a positive narrative.

Through our collective voice, there will be a greater influence in national policy-making, safeguarding a horses place in society, and keeping our riding schools open.

By donating, you'll help over 6000 horses receive welfare care and offer owners advice to prevent future welfare concerns. You'll influence highway and Police authorities take action at accident & near-miss hotspots.

Donate today and be part of our collective voice.