Over 9,000 expected to take part in the Great Horses for Health Relay this summer!

A UK fundraising relay with horses set up during lockdown by horse lover Sophie Gifford has seen over 9000 to date sign up to The Great Horses For Health Facebook group ahead of the event which starts on 2nd May in Yorkshire.

Equine Charity HorseWorld Trust have teamed up with Sophie and an enthusiastic group of volunteers to provide a support team for The Horses for Health Relay which is Sponsored by SEIB, Rathbones and Equidance & EquineXceed.

The UK has been split into 11 regions over 5 months with participants given 2 weeks to choose their own route in their local area which is then recorded on the relay map. The relay 'baton' will be passed onto the next participating region at a pre-arranged Covid-safe event.

Every horse lover is invited to take part whether it be astride, western, side-saddle, as a carriage driver, with long reins, in hand, on foot or even on your bike and online registration for the event is now open - visit the event's website for further details!

All participants are encouraged to raise sponsorship for their rides, which will be split between seven equine welfare and equestrian charities.

Organiser Sophie Gifford said: "My Irish Cob Jack helped me cope with the mental challenges of the Covid Pandemic and I was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to start a community event which would highlight the positive effects an equine can have on your well-being whilst also raising money for horse welfare. This ride is for everyone who loves horses and has experienced the positive impact they have on your mental well-being. Our website will have a dedicated area for everyone to share pictures and stories providing a space for horse lovers around the UK to connect. We hope as many people will take part as possible."

To find out more about The Great Horse for Health Relay and how to register to take part click here.