Eventers have always been a tight-knit bunch, supporting each other through the good and the bad times, but now it has formalised its community with a fund-raising event called the Eventing Family.
Car crash
The party is being organised by a group of eventers led by Aaron Miller, who was involved in a major car crash in May. As well as dealing with his own life-changing injuries, he was moved by recent tragic events within the eventing world.
“The last few months have been very difficult, but it has helped to be involved in something so positive and get such good feedback and support,” Aaron said.
“When something like this that is out of your control happens it is good to makesomething worthwhile come from it. It was an idea which took shape and now grown beyond my expectations.”
Raise thousands
The Eventing Family Party is on 22 August at Bicton Arena. The evening includes an auction, which hopes to raise thousands of pounds for four charitieschosen by people involved in eventing who are “facing challenging times”.
Ben Hobday, who recently announced he has cancer, has requested money go to Cancer Research UK, while Hannah Francis, who was diagnosed with cancer the day after her 17th birthday, has asked them to support the Teenage Cancer Trust.
Funds will also go to Spinal Research, as requested by Jemima Green, the former head girl of Jodie Amos who was in the car crash with Aaron and is now in a wheelchair.
The final charity is Motor Neurone Research, which has been chosen by Helen West, whose mother pat is suffering with this illness.
Big prizes
Andrew Nicholson, William Fox-Pitt, Sharon Hunt, Lucinda Green, Lucy Wiegersma and Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials are just a few of the names who have pledged prizes. Ten auction lots will be sold on the night, while the rest can be bid for online.
Tickets are £70.16 – the price of a BE100 entry fee – and include a champagne reception, buffet dinner,and live music.
For more information, to buy tickets or take part in the online auction go towww.eventingfamily.com