Horse riding for charity
Horse riding is a rewarding way to raise money for Macmillan.
Horse riding ideas
You don't have to be an equestrian pro to take up horse riding. There are many opportunities for beginners, novices, and advanced riders. Here are some ideas to get your started:
Hacking
Go for a pony trek across stunning countryside - it's perfect for riders of all abilities. Experienced instructors can take you out at your local riding centre. You never know, you might feel like having a little canter!
Why not turn this into a group challenge and get your friends to ride with you. Set up a JustGiving fundraising page for your event.
Pony club activities
There are all sorts of ways your pony club can raise money for people living with cancer. There are mounted games and fancy dress competitions. Deck your horse in tinsel for Christmas and spooky dress for Halloween. You could ask for a donation of £1 per competition entry.
Showjumping
Challenge yourself to a showjumping course. It's a fun and great way to build a bond with a horse. Sell tickets for your showjumping event to raise money.
Dressage
Find an instructor, pick a dressage test, and some fabulous music. Then you're all set to put on a performance at your local riding school.
Birthday parties
If your child is having a pony party for their birthday, why not fundraise for Macmillan at the same time. You could have a collection bucket at the party.
Carriage driving
If horseback isn't your thing, you can learn carriage driving. Get your family and friends to sponsor you to learn the discipline. For an extra challenge you could do a route in an arena or the countryside.
Where to go horse riding
Get some horse riding lessons before your challenge. You can find your local horse riding centre on The British Horse Society's (BHS) website.
You may want to explore the bridleways of the great British outdoors. There's plenty of beautiful places to go hacking in the UK including the New Forest, Lake District, the Cotswolds or the Beacon Beacons.
Keeping your horse riding event safe
Make sure the riding centre that you ride at has all the proper documentation for your event.
How you're making a difference
In 2020, our supporters raised over £750,000 by doing their own physical challenges. That money in the future could support our Cancer Information and Support team to run our Macmillan Support Line phone service for 5 months. In this time, they could deal with over 40,000 calls and web enquiries from people who want questions answered, need practical or financial support, or just want to chat.
Find out more about why your support matters.