Encourage, engage, empower

The ‘This Girl Can Ride’ campaign is supported by the Sport England ‘This Girl Can’ movement, which aims to involve young women in more physical activity regardless of their shape, size and ability. The campaign boasts three exciting elements and hopes to get rookie riders discovering a love for horses and reaping the emotional and social benefits that accompany a horsey lifestyle.

A television show titled Grassroots Dreams will air on Horse and Country TV come September and involves three riders returning to the saddle to swap stories as they qualify for the Your Horse Equine Sport UK Championship Show.

Alongside the TV show will be a Facebook pledge and a dedicated day for beginners, seeing 40 riding stables offering free sessions. Each session will include a chance to meet and bond with the horses as well as jumping into the saddle for the ride of your life, or at least the first ride. Similarly if you’re already part of the equine community, inspire a female friend to join the movement by pledging them on Facebook and sharing your experiences.

BEF Head of Participation Anna Hall explains just how important the riding community is in increasing female activity: “Whether you’ve never sat on a horse before, or if you are looking to get back into riding, it’s a brilliant way to socialise and learn new skills.

She added: “Horses really don’t care what you look like whilst you’re cantering around the arena and you’ll be too enthralled to care.”