Badminton Ride raises £3,500 for local equine and nature-based activity charity

A donation of £3,500 from the proceeds of the Badminton Ride which took place in September 2023 was recently presented to The Avon Centre by representatives from the Beaufort Hunt.

Image: Jimmy Graham

The historic stable yard at Badminton House was the backdrop for the cheque presentation to the equine and nature-based activities charity which is based on the outskirts of Bristol, opposite Blaise Castle. For over 40 years, the Centre – which is recognised as a Centre of Excellence – has provided a positive experience and proven the therapeutic benefits of horse riding to children and adults with a wide range of complex special needs.

Claire Evans from the Avon Centre thanked the organisers of the ride:

“We are most grateful for the support of the Badminton Ride and this generous donation will allow us to continue to help disabled and disadvantaged people to access the therapeutic benefits of horses and nature. It was fascinating to be shown around the stables and tack room and a delight to meet the friendly and knowledgeable team. Del Boy [horse] was particularly charming!”

Polly Portwin, Director of the Campaign for Hunting at the Countryside Alliance praised those involved in organising the event:

“Charity work within hunts is hugely important to the communities surrounding them and it is great to see how the Beaufort Hunt has enforced such a great and successful ride around Badminton, enabling them to donate to such great local and national causes.”

Representatives from the Beaufort Hunt organise the Badminton Ride each year by kind permission of the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort. This year, the ride will take place on 22 September 2024 and it will be supporting the National Foundation for Retired Service Animals (NFRSA). This charity supports retired horses and dogs from the police; fire & rescue; prison; border force; and National Crime Agency services with medical and veterinary costs. The charity’s motto is ‘Protecting our Protectors’ and the NFRSA is there when an animal falls ill, not only offering financial assistance, but emotional support as well.

The photograph shows representatives from the Badminton Ride and the Avon Centre with Del Boy in the historic stable yard at Badminton.