Supporting riders with every stride
The British Eventing Support Trust is a registered charity that was founded in 2021 to provide medical, financial and mental health support to British Eventing competing members who are experiencing equine-related physical and mental issues.
That support is available to competing riding members (Introductory and above), and regardless of whether the rider had an accident while competing, while riding at home or on the ground. The support is tailored to the specific needs of the beneficiary, so some riders can access specialist rehab programmes or others receive a series of physiotherapy sessions, both paid for in full. The charity captured wider attention in the equestrian world in 2022 thanks to its support of Nicola Wilson following her career-changing fall at Badminton Horse Trials earlier that year. As Nicola reached the point in her recovery when she was preparing to leave hospital, the British Eventing Support Trust stepped in to arrange and fund her ongoing hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions.
A free and totally confidential mental health support helpline is also part of the British Eventing Support Trust’s services, a programme that was set up in November 2023 in partnership with Sporting Chance. People suffering from a mental health crisis can call 07780 008877 at any time of the night or day, all year round, and be connected immediately to a trained counsellor. If the caller and the counsellor agree it will be beneficial, the caller can then access six sessions with a qualified therapist, all funded by the British Eventing Support Trust. With one in every four people in the UK grappling with a mental health issue each year, this service aims to ensure no one needs to suffer alone.
The British Eventing Support Trust regularly holds fundraising events, such as an annual Winter Ball in London, course walks and meet and greets at BE events and fun online quizzes. If you would like to learn more, volunteer your time or expertise, or access support yourself, please visit the British Eventing Support Trust website.
Photo: Hannah Cole Photography
That support is available to competing riding members (Introductory and above), and regardless of whether the rider had an accident while competing, while riding at home or on the ground. The support is tailored to the specific needs of the beneficiary, so some riders can access specialist rehab programmes or others receive a series of physiotherapy sessions, both paid for in full. The charity captured wider attention in the equestrian world in 2022 thanks to its support of Nicola Wilson following her career-changing fall at Badminton Horse Trials earlier that year. As Nicola reached the point in her recovery when she was preparing to leave hospital, the British Eventing Support Trust stepped in to arrange and fund her ongoing hydrotherapy and physiotherapy sessions.
A free and totally confidential mental health support helpline is also part of the British Eventing Support Trust’s services, a programme that was set up in November 2023 in partnership with Sporting Chance. People suffering from a mental health crisis can call 07780 008877 at any time of the night or day, all year round, and be connected immediately to a trained counsellor. If the caller and the counsellor agree it will be beneficial, the caller can then access six sessions with a qualified therapist, all funded by the British Eventing Support Trust. With one in every four people in the UK grappling with a mental health issue each year, this service aims to ensure no one needs to suffer alone.
The British Eventing Support Trust regularly holds fundraising events, such as an annual Winter Ball in London, course walks and meet and greets at BE events and fun online quizzes. If you would like to learn more, volunteer your time or expertise, or access support yourself, please visit the British Eventing Support Trust website.
Photo: Hannah Cole Photography