Hoof and Macmillan team up for Blenheim Horse Trials
Hoof, the British Equestrian Federation’s Olympic and Paralympic legacy project, and cancer charity Macmillan have teamed up for the Fidelity Blenheim International Horse trials.
Macmillan, the chosen charity for the horse trials, and Hoof showcased Henry, the mechanical horse, who provided the perfect opportunity for prospective and lapsed riders to regain confidence in the saddle, offering free rides and rosettes for everyone.
Courtesy of the association between the two organisations, Lesley Newport, a 55-year-old horse rider and lung cancer patient celebrated a milestone in her treatment with a trip to the horse trials.
Two years ago, Lesley received her lung cancer diagnosis and a prognosis of six months to live. She was determined to maximise and prolong her life and was encouraged to exercise and maintain her fitness.
She discovered the Take Back the Reins programme and began horse riding at her local centre, Newton Hall Equitation Centre in Ipswich.
Take Back The Reins, a Sport England funded initiative, was developed by Hoof and equestrian centres across England to provide a structured set of fun riding lessons for new or lapsed riders to give them confidence in the saddle.
Commenting on the programme, Lesley said: "When someone says to you that you are going to die you wake up every day thinking is it today, and I think the mere fact of going to the stables, seeing the horses and creating a new group of friends that I have a shared interest with, coupled with the support from Macmillan is such an inspiration to get better."
Sara Rawnsley, Macmillan fundraising manager for Oxfordshire, said: "Lesley has so much energy and refuses to let cancer be the end of doing things she loves. Hearing how much riding has helped her through her cancer journey should inspire us all to find the time to do the things we love."
BSAVA is to partner with BVA Live (11-12 June 2026) to champion clinical research.
