It’s safe to say that 2023 has been a big year for the British Eventing Support Trust. Ever since we launched the charity at Bicton Park Horse Trials in 2021, we’ve been working hard to make sure we have the funds and the network to help British Eventing riding members who need us. Our aim is simple: to provide a range of support to event riders whenever they need us. That might be in the aftermath of a fall when they need financial support, rehab or physiotherapy to get back on their feet (and in the saddle) or a trained ear in times of mental health crisis. If you are one of the amazing people who has donated to our cause, helped share our message online or supported us in any way this year – thank you. We couldn’t do any of this without you.
Now, as we near the end of 2023, we’re taking the time to look back at the past 12 months. We’re picking our highlights and sharing how they will help us achieve our aim of supporting event riders however and whenever they need us. Let’s get started.
A new President for the charity
We were proud to share the news that Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal is our new President in August. The Princess Royal has enjoyed an extremely accomplished career as an equestrian, competing at the highest level in eventing as well enjoying wins as a jockey on the flat and over fences. In 1971 she won the individual gold medal at the European Eventing Championships at Burghley and followed this with team and individual silver medals at the European Eventing Championships in Luhmühlen in 1975. With such an incredible record as an international event rider and a history of supporting equestrian charities and initiatives, we know The Princess Royal will work tirelessly to help raise awareness of our aims and further our cause.
A record year of fundraising
2023 has seen us work harder than ever to raise our profile and raise funds to support our work. The result is a record year of fundraising, and the cherry on the cake was raising an incredible £217,000 at our Winter Ball in November. This star-studded, glittering black tie event took place at the Savoy in London and included an auction with an amazing array of prizes donated by our generous supporters. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes and their time to making the ball such as success, as well as our sponsors on the evening. We look forward to raising the bar with an even bigger and better Winter Ball in 2024 – make sure you save the date – Saturday the 30th of November – if you’d like to join us!
New mental health helpline
We were proud to launch the British Eventing Support Trust mental health helpline in partnership with Sporting Chance last month. It means that competing British Eventing members who are suffering from a mental health concern of any kind can call at any time of the night or day on any day of the year and speak to trained call handlers.
Sporting Chance was set up in the year 2000 by former England football player and manager Tony Adams MBE, to address the difficulties he experienced as a player in accessing professional, confidential mental health support. Today, it helps a wide range of charities support their beneficiaries by staffing the support line during the working day with staff trained to specifically help sportsmen and women. Outside of those hours, the lines are staffed by trained counsellors provided by Health Assured.
If you think you’re suffering from a mental health crisis, please don’t hesitate to call 07780 008877 or email support@sportingchanceclinic.com at any time of night or day.
None of our work would be possible without you, our supporters. So, as we close the office ready for the Christmas holiday, we really are thankful for everyone who donates their time, money and energy to help us. Thank you.
