Riders rise to the challenge to raise money

Eventers, showjumpers and jockeys are going head-to-head at Bicton Arena this month to raise money for the Injured Jockeys’ Fund.

Flat out

Now in its third year, the Charity Challenge sees two teams racing each other down a line of jumps. Five seconds is added for each pole down and the fastest time goes through to the next round.

“It’s such a lot of fun for spectators to watch the teams pit their wits against each other and fly down the course of showjumps,” said arena manager Helen West. “We’ll include the steeplechase fence too this year as the final obstacle before they gallop flat out to the line.”

Rehabilitation

Professional event rider Aaron Miller, who was in last year’s winning team, will be watching from the sidelines, as he was seriously injured in a car accident earlier this year.

“I have started my rehabilitationat the Injured Jockeys’ Fund’s Oaksey House and the facilities there are phenomenal,” he said. “I believe by working with the physiotherapy team there I will get back to riding much quicker.”

The event onSeptember 12 September isfree to attend with spectators encouraged to make a donation to the Injured Jockeys Fund.