This July, I’m taking part in the BHS Rideathon to help protect safe off-road access for horses and riders. 🐎

I’m doing this because I know how much these routes matter.

For years, I rode a wonderful mare called Gwennie. To reach the nearest bridleways, we had no choice but to ride along and cross busy A roads with fast traffic, lorries and motorbikes. It was always stressful.

In 2017, we were involved in a serious accident while trying to get through a gate beside a busy road with heavy traffic nearby. The gate wouldn’t open properly, Gwennie and tried to jump it, and we both went over together.

Thankfully, we made it home, bruised and shaken, but it knocked both of our confidence badly. After that, the roads never felt the same.

If there had been a safe off-road route to the bridleways, I would always have chosen it.

That’s why British Horse Society’s work matters so much to me. They work to protect and maintain bridleways, improve safe access, and create better links to off-road routes so riders are not forced onto dangerous roads just to enjoy time with their horses.

Gwennie has now been sold and I miss her every day, so this Rideathon is for her too. 💔

I’ll be completing my 100 km challenge by walking, cycling and travelling however else I can muster.

If you’re able to support me, thank you. Every donation helps protect safer routes for horses and riders, now and for the future.