Achievements

The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund
   21st Anniversary Campaign
(1988-2009)

In September 2009, The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund will be 21 years old.  Since that time it has:-

Helped Riders by:

• Providing well over a million pounds’ worth of assistance to those injured (and their families) – riders from all walks of life, facing both minor and major, life-changing injuries.

• Ensuring hundreds of injured riders have been able to access all the benefits and assistance they are entitled to, from the state and elsewhere.  This helps direct the Fund’s charitable financial  assistance where it is most needed.

• Giving advice and moral support to hundreds of injured riders and their families on all aspects of accident recovery, including medical referrals.

Worked to prevent and minimise injuries by:

• Providing ongoing advice to all British riders on riding hats, body protectors and other safety equipment.

• (During the 1990s and despite some controversy at the time) Pioneering  the rationalisation and improvement of  national hat standards leading to the introduction of the independent  testing scheme (Enhap)  and resulting in significant improvements in the level of head protection,

• Lobbying for a review of the construction of cross country ‘table’ fences, reducing the incidence of falls and injuries at this type of fence.

• Initiating research into collapsible fences (subsequently taken on by British Eventing) and resulting in a ‘safer’  frangible pin now widely used in the construction of today’s cross country courses.

THE FUTURE  Rosemary Lang for The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund:

“Most,  if not, all of our beneficiaries over the past 21 years would tell you that they never thought it would happen to them, or that they would need to be seeking help from the Charity.

“This has only been possible due to charitable donations.  Every pound counts which is why we are urging  everyone in the UK who rides to support our 21st Anniversary Poundcatcher campaign.  We want to be able to continue to support anybody involved with horses  who is injured and in genuine need.

“As well as continuing to be there for everybody in that situation, we want to be in a position to pioneer  safety initiatives if the need arises and concerns are raised.  If an independent view is needed, we will always look into the issue.” 
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