The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund – the only UK charity which helps all those injured in horse-related accidents and in need – is 21 this year and announced its Anniversary plans today (3 September) at The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials, with the help of their celebrity ambassador – Matt Baker and Patron Zara Phillips.
• A new Poundcatcher campaign appealing to all riders and handlers to donate at least £1 each.
Explains Sarah Bullen, The Fund’s Chairman: “The latest statistics* show that over 40% of people in Britain have an interest in some aspect of equestrianism and the incidence of injury remains high. Everyone handling horses is aware of the associated risks and no matter how careful they are, accidents can occur and could happen to every single one of us – whether or not we ride just for fun, work with competition horses, compete at any level or look after horses, but don’t actually ride.
“In recognition of this, we are asking the entire equestrian community to come on board and support us reach our target of a quarter of a million pounds. With 4 million plus riders out there at the last count, we believe that has to be achievable and this means the Charity can continue to be here for anyone involved with horses who becomes injured and is in need as a result of a horse-related accident.”
• The recruitment of a team of 21st Anniversary Ambassadors including BBC Country File’s Matt Baker, Sky Sports Presenter, Alex Quinn and ‘King of the Jungle’, Christopher Biggins who will all be helping to spread the word.
Commented Matt Baker: “Thinking back to the moment I dislocated my shoulder and cracked two ribs in the run up to Only Fools on Horses, or the taste of the Australian outback’s dirt as my horse literally left me for dust, I do sometimes wonder what it is that keeps me riding. But I’m still here and I’m still throwing myself headlong into any equestrian experience on offer.
“It’s great to know that whoever you are and whatever your involvement with horses, that the Fund is there for all kinds of support. For all the money that is spent on our sport, a pound is not much for the peace of mind that the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund will be there for you, should you need them,” ends Matt.
• A new Fundraising Guide – full of ideas and tips for individuals and riding clubs or organisations to run their own fundraising events and support The Poundcatcher campaign. The new guide can be downloaded here.
• Other, centrally organised fundraising events which include: a planned On-line auction of ‘money-can’t-buy-experiences’ aimed at the horse enthusiast and offering some unusual Christmas present ideas; as well as participation at Your Horse Live (14-15 November, Stoneleigh) where the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund will be the official charity.
“We would like to thank The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials for giving us the opportunity to announce our plans here and for donating a share of the proceeds from their course walks and Sponsored Ride. We also welcome the support of all our founding commercial partners (below) and we hope other businesses, organisations and clubs will come on-board to support our cause over the coming months,” ends Sarah Bullen.
Riders and their families and friends can donate on-line by clicking the live link on the website (http://www.justgiving.com/Poundcatcher-mdirf/) or at Your Horse Live and via any of their official Poundcatcher partners: www.yourhorse.co.uk; www.burghley-horse.co.uk; www.britishgrooms.org.uk ; www.horseboxworld.com; www.horserequisites.co.uk; www.dodsonandhorrell.com; www.HorseVideoAnalysis.com and www.sciencesupplements.co.uk .
