The British Horse Society (BHS) is excited to launch this year’s Ride Out UK, the annual campaign celebrating the joys of riding out, while raising money to protect and improve safe off-road routes for all.
Proudly supported by Horse & Country, Ride Out UK kicks off in May until the end of October. The BHS is encouraging riders to sign up, saddle up and explore their local area, or somewhere new, while helping to raise money for the Ride Out Fund. There are several ways to get involved, through regional leisure rides and the Rideathon Adventure.
Rideathon offers the opportunity to get involved in an individual adventure by choosing your Rideathon goal and fundraising target; whether you want to cover five or 1000 miles and raise £50 to £100, or £1000 and beyond. No horse? No problem! Participants can take part in the Rideathon Adventure on horseback, as well as on foot or by cycling. For more information on how to take part in the Rideathon Adventure, as well as the goodies up for grabs, visit bhs.org.uk/rideathon.
There are also many local organised rides and events coming up over the next six months. From pleasure rides on National Trust properties to two-hour guided rides across the beautiful Cotswolds countryside, there’s plenty to get involved in. Make sure to keep an eye on the BHS website to learn more about Ride Out UK and to find out what events are coming up over the next six months: bhs.org.uk/rideoutuk.
In 2021, the BHS’s Ride Out UK campaign raised more than £24,500 for the Ride Out Fund, which has provided funding for projects that open and/or enable safe, off-road equestrian routes throughout the UK since 2015.
Protecting rights of way and enabling off-road access for all equestrians is incredibly important, with reports of four horses killed on Britain’s roads already this year. This follows 46 equine deaths reported to the BHS in the previous year, with an additional 118 being injured and 130 human injuries.
Tracy Casstles, Director of Fundraising at The British Horse Society said: “As a charity, the more that is raised for the Ride Out Fund, the more projects can be assisted by the BHS to improve the lives of equestrians and other users of off-road routes. With Ride Out UK, fundraising couldn’t be easier. If you’re taking part in the Rideathon Adventure, all you need to do is set up a fundraising page or download a paper sponsorship form, and encourage friends and family to sponsor you. We’ve seen all ages and abilities get involved with every activity, and we look forward to welcoming new faces too.”
Heather Killen, CEO at Horse and Country said: “We’re delighted to be able to support the Ride Out UK campaign – knowing how important the joy of riding out is to so many of us. The team at H&C are very much looking forward to spending time with the participants at some of the upcoming rides and sharing stories from across the Ride Out UK community.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
Contact: The British Horse Society Press Office
T: 02476 840521
The British Horse Society:
As the largest equine charity in the UK, The British Horse Society is dedicated to education, equine welfare, protecting and increasing access to bridleways and places to ride and carriage drive off road, and safety for horse and riders. The Society’s thriving and active community of staff and volunteers is committed to improving the lives of horses everywhere.