9th May 2006
Their usual mounts are somewhat larger, a touch more lively and not quite as…wooden. But world-class riders Carl Hester, Nick Skelton and Ellen Whitaker couldn’t resist trying out these hobby horses to promote Britain’s most unusual alternative “Grand National”.
The champion trio, who are among the UK’s leading equestrians, were photographed aboard a hobby horse to support a nationwide Hobby Horse Grand National fundraising campaign to raise money for the Brooke, Britain’s largest overseas equine welfare charity
Over the next few months racecourses, riding schools, primary schools and other groups of children across the UK will be organising and taking part in sponsored Hobby Horse Grand Nationals, which are part of the Brooke’s highly successful ‘Courses for Horses’ campaign, its annual fundraising initiative to help working horses that suffer most in the world.
The three champions were eager to highlight the importance of the ‘Courses for Horses’ campaign, in which every penny raised pays for vital veterinary treatments for hundreds of thousands of working horses, donkeys and mules suffering overseas. It also generates funds to teach good equine welfare to millions of owners.
National Dressage Champion, Carl Hester, explains why he got behind this unusual campaign: “For most of us in Britain horses are beloved companion animals on whom we depend for our sport and recreation. But in many developing nations poor people with many mouths to feed depend on horses for their very survival. By joining in with ‘Courses for Horses’ you’ll be helping these hard working animals to a happier and healthier life, and their owners to a better future."
The Hobby Horse Grand National will see children and adults alike create their own hobby horses, raise sponsorship for the Brooke and race other hobby horse ‘jockeys’. A number of racecourses are hosting hobby horse races, including Bangor-on-Dee, Plumpton, Chester, Newbury, Perth, Redcar, Stratford and Hexham. Plenty more are happening in fields and riding stables across the UK, from Aberdeenshire to the Isle of Wight.
All the participating racecourses form part of a wider fundraising club, the Brooke’s ‘Courses for Horses’ Racecourse Club, whereby all 59 UK racecourses have been invited to raise money to help end the suffering of millions of horses worldwide. To date, over three-quarters of the UK’s racecourses have signed up.
In a new partnership deal the Brooke’s leading ‘Courses for Horses’ sponsor, Betfair – the UK’s premier online sports betting exchange - has generously pledged to match every pound generated by each of the racecourses, including the Hobby Horse Grand Nationals.
To view pictures of Carl Hester, Nick Skelton and Ellen Whitaker click here
Editors Notes
A ‘Hobby Horse Grand National’ involves building little jumps and inviting local children to participate. The children can make hobby horses from broom handles (or purchase them) and the idea is simply to race around the course to win a prizes. Children are being asked to raise sponsorship. Hobby Horse Fundraising
‘Courses for Horses’ month is July where members of the public are invited to have their ‘course’ for a horse, with events ranging from cake bakes to hosting their very own Hobby Horse Grand National to sponsored rides and walks. ‘Courses for Horses’ fundraising packs are available – full of simple, fun ideas including posters, stickers, Hobby Horse Grand National packs and cake bake decorations.
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