Registration now open for ride-and-fundraise initiative to help riders enjoy their horses

After a roaring success in its launch year, registration is now open for this year’s Great Horses 4 Health Event

Taking place from 19 June – 28 August, registration for this year’s Great Horse’s for Health Event is now open! While the series is moving on from its initial relay format, there’s much more freedom for riders wishing to take part this year, with the opportunity to participate whenever and wherever they’d like within the assigned window.

The aim of the Great Horses for Health Event is to bring together the equestrian community through a series of focused events and activities throughout the UK. They can be completed by anyone with an interest in horses – and there’ll be something for everyone whether they’re in the saddle, on foot, on a bike or carriage driving.

Registered participants can take part in a number of free events, including (but not limited to)…

• guided rides – for groups of up to six horses and riders
• self-guided rides – during which a route’s marked out for those who wish to take part
• walk and talk ride – conducted at a slower pace and allows riders to chat on the route
• park and ride – where vehicle parking is provided with direct access to a circular hacking route
• picnic ride – for which there’ll be a tie-up area for horses, and riders are encouraged to bring along a picnic
• activity – where you can try your skills at a versatile TREC event

Participants aren’t limited to taking part in organised events, either. You can also take your own routes – the most important part is that you’re out enjoying your horse and raising funds for charity.

It really couldn’t be easier to get started – it’s as simple as one, two, three…

1. Register for £20. In return you’ll receive a welcome pack, including a high-vis hat band, feed supplement voucher, wristband, rosette and access to organised events.
2. Find some sponsors. All sponsors should be directed to the event’s JustGiving page, where donations will ultimately be split between the nominated charities.
3. Ride! When the time comes, you can take part in as many activities as you like, in whatever style you’d prefer – whether that’s on your own, in a group, or through an organised event.

The idea of the event is to raise money, which is donated to the charities supported by the event. This year, these include HorseWorld and Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA). Some of the proceeds will also be allocated to the National Equine Welfare Council (NEWC), through which member charities can benefit. The charities chosen for this year not only help horses, but people, too, through initiatives such as HorseWorld’s Discovery programme, where rehabilitated horses help disadvantaged children and their families.

For more information, a list of organised events and to sign up, visit horses4health.co.uk