Insurance provider urges riders to join fundraising event to support Riding for The Disabled

With its new initiative that will take place from 22–23 October, insurance provider Agria promises to donate £5 to Riding for The Disabled for every hacking photo they receive

Lifetime equine insurer, Agria is encouraging horse owners to get out of the arena and into the countryside to not only help improve their horses’ physical and mental wellbeing but raise money for one of the country’s most cherished charities, Riding For The Disabled, while doing so.

The Agria Ride is being held over the weekend of 22–23 October and, for every horse lover that takes part – by simply going for a hack and then sharing a picture – Agria will donate £5 to Riding For The Disabled.

National dressage champion and Agria sponsored rider, Gareth Hughes, backs the initiative.

“Hacking is important for keeping our horses in peak physical and mental condition,” he says. “Uneven ground and hillwork is good for keeping tendons and muscles supple and strong, while a relaxed ride through the countryside provides variety and is great for horses’ brains and general wellbeing.”

Echoing this support, European gold medalist and another of Agria’s sponsored riders, Ros Canter, added: “All my horses hack. In my mind, it’s good for them and the jockeys – me included.”

Like many professionals, Ros incorporates aspects of training into her hacks. “It is a good time to practice transitions and lateral work out of the arena, while some horses just benefit from hacking on a longer rein in a relaxed outline,” she reveals. “Babies learn their trade by hacking with others and learning to cross terrain and improve their eye-hoof coordination.”

This is the very first Agria Ride, and similar events are being hosted the same weekend by Agria in Sweden and Norway.

“Agria is committed to helping horses stay fitter, sounder and healthier for longer. Having a balanced lifestyle is such an important part of this. The variety provided by working on different surfaces and over varied terrain, not only keeps horses physically in shape but also mentally fresh. Being out and about, come rain or shine, is brilliant for us riders too,” says Vicki Wentworth, Agria’s Managing Director and a keen amateur eventer. “For me, enjoying the countryside, and all it offers with my horse, is the perfect antidote to the stresses and pressures of daily life.”

Clare Prysbet from Riding for The Disabled adds: “RDA is pleased to be partnering with Agria for its first Agria Ride. Its generous donations will help us continue to deliver life-changing programming of equestrian sport and horse therapy, across every corner of the UK, to people living with disabilities. Here at RDA, we know all about the physical and mental wellbeing benefits that being around horses provides and so we are sure everyone will enjoy their hacking out over the weekend!”

To find out more, about the Agria Ride, please visit agriapet.co.uk/agria-ride