As the festive season approaches, we want to take a moment to thank all our incredible supporters for making 2024 such a memorable year for the British Eventing Support Trust. Your generosity and enthusiasm have been at the heart of everything we’ve achieved, and we couldn’t have done it without you. From an equine vet who ran the length of Hadrian’s Wall to Simon Grieve climbing the highest mountain in Europe and British Eventing events and fundraisers, we’ve been humbled by your efforts.

The eventing season was a whirlwind eight months for our team, but we were so grateful to have the support of so many BE events. We’ve been named Charity of the Year, had fences named after us and enjoyed mentions in commentary across competitions ranging from BE80 to CCI-L 5*, it’s been so rewarding to see our profile grow within the eventing community. Every mention, every event, and every fundraising initiative has helped spread the word about our work – vital in ensuring British Eventing competing members know we’re here – and raised much-needed funds to support those who turn to us for help.

A particular highlight has been the phenomenal Cycle4Caroline Challenge, which saw the team undertake a truly epic journey, cycling over 1,200km from Scotland to London. Incorporating iconic eventing venues and equestrian landmarks, this incredible effort raised awareness and vital funds for us and Spinal Research, all in memory of the wonderful Caroline March. We’re still waiting for the official total raised, but it’s well over £315,000 and we know it’s going to help us make a huge difference to rider’s lives in the future.

We capped off the year in style with our Winter Ball on Saturday 30th of November at the Savoy Hotel in London. And what a night it was! We were thrilled to welcome the intrepid Cycle4Caroline24 team as they crossed the finish line at the Savoy, marking the end of their extraordinary challenge – and they all appeared in their glad rags to join in the fun. Our guests were also treated to a champagne reception, dinner, dancing and an inspirational conversation between our patron, Nicola Wilson, and Saffron Cresswell, who shared her powerful rehabilitation journey so far.

Thanks to the generosity of everyone who attended, we raised a record-breaking £254,965 during the evening! This incredible sum will go a long way toward supporting British Eventing competing members in 2025 and beyond, and we’re already looking ahead to our next ball. Save the date: Saturday, 29th November 2025. If you’d like to secure a table for next year, please get in touch.

While we’re so proud of the milestones we’ve reached this year, we know there is so much more to do. As our profile grows, so too does the number of riders who reach out to our team for support. That’s why we need to head into 2025 firing on all cylinders, ready to make an even bigger impact. With your continued support, we’re confident we can rise to the challenge.

For now, we wish you a very Merry Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year! We hope you enjoy the festive season with friends and loved ones, both two and four-legged, and find time to make happy memories. And remember, we’re here for anyone who needs mental health support over the festive period. Our free, confidential support line is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week 365 days a year. Just call 07780 008877 and you’ll be connected to a trained advisor. It always helps to talk.