A young eventer whose mother and grandmother both suffered serious cross-country falls is taking on the London Marathon with her father to help towards a cure for paralysis.

Tabitha Taylor, 18, will be one of the youngest taking part on 26 April, in aid of charity Spinal Research. She will line up alongside her father Jeremy, 58, who has completed 53 marathons since 2007.

Tabitha’s mother Amanda, who evented to five-star level, was “lucky to walk away” after a bad fall at Highclere Castle in 2002 and her grandmother also broke her back twice in falls.

“My mum and grandmother were very lucky, but I also know Saffron Cresswell and have had lessons with Nicola Wilson so I know just what can happen,” Tabitha said. “This is definitely a cause that means a lot to me and my dad.

“He has done a lot of running before but this will be a big first for me. I do a lot of school sport and have been doing some hilly loops at home, but the distance will be a big challenge.”

Jeremy, who runs the Cricket St Thomas Estate, near Chard, will be taking part in his eighth London Marathon, but his first with his daughter.

“It will be something really special to cross the line with her, especially doing this together for a cause which is so close to both our hearts,” he said.

“Amanda’s horse landed on top of her and she suffered crushed vertebrae and a broken neck which led to major surgery to have massive bolts inserted to support her spine.

“She was incredibly lucky and Tabitha’s grandmother has also broken her back a couple of times in falls so we are both really motivated to raise as much as we can to support Spinal Research for those that have not been so fortunate.”

Spinal Research charity funds life-changing work

A spokesperson for Spinal Research said someone is paralysed owing to a spinal injury every two hours in the UK. The charity funds and supports global research into treatments and therapies.

Head of audience and community Suzanne Redding said: “With the first function-restoring treatment in history now available and more therapies coming, we really need the money to get these life-changing breakthroughs from the lab to the 105,000-plus people living every day in the UK with a devastating spinal cord injury.

“So, we are incredibly grateful to Tabitha and Jeremy for joining this year’s London Marathon TeamSpinal. Every pound raised takes us a step closer to our goal of curing paralysis”.

Tabitha’s JustGiving page is open for donations to the Spinal Research charity.

Are you running the London Marathon? Email lucy.elder@futurenet.com for possible inclusion in a future article.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking equestrian news throughout 2026, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Olympic medallist to run marathon to support ‘inspirational’ fellow rider paralysed in fall

‘Don’t be afraid to hope’: rider paralysed in fall joins bike marathon in memory of fellow eventer

‘We couldn’t save Caroline but perhaps we can help others’: Tom March confirms epic cycling and climbing challenge in his sister’s memory

Riders support research giving signs of hope for those with spinal cord injuries

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about Caroline,” said Tom March, as he confirms another epic fundraiser in his sister’s memory.

Just over a year since eventer Caroline March, pictured, ended her life at a clinic in Switzerland, and three years after Caroline was paralysed in a cross-country fall, her brother Tom has finalised his next challenge to help fund research towards a cure for paralysis.

Tom and his wife Piggy were among those who raised hundreds of thousands in the Cycle 4 Caroline challenge last year, but Tom is taking on the “Pedal 3 Peaks” challenge alone. He is aiming to cycle 870 miles from Balmoral Castle to Windsor Castle, and climb the UK’s three highest mountains en route, in 100 hours.

“Although we couldn’t save Caroline, perhaps we can make a difference and help others who suffer a spinal cord injury,” he said.

“Since Caroline’s death, within the wider equestrian and horse racing community, there have unfortunately been other young riders who have suffered similar devastating injuries. When you have someone with a spinal cord injury you see just how much it affects them, what it does to their life. It transforms everything.

“Like many people I was totally naïve and thought being in a wheelchair was just about not being able to walk, but it’s so much more than that. It was something that Caroline did not want to live with, but she also really believed in the need and value of pursuing scientific advances to find a cure for paralysis.”

Tom’s challenge starts on Sunday, 11 May. He will cycle over 100 miles to Ben Nevis, then climb to its 1,345m peak. The following day, he will ride 220 miles to the Lake District, where he will attempt the 978m Scafell Pike on day three. He will then get back on his bike to ride another 180 miles to Snowdonia.

Day four holds the 1,085m ascent of Mount Snowdon, after which he will ride another 200 miles. He is due to arrive at Royal Windsor Horse Show on Thursday, 15 May, having cycled a final 100 miles.

The challenge is in aid of Spinal Research, which funds research around the world into new treatments and therapies for those paralysed after a spinal cord injury.

“Cycle4Caroline was very much about the power of the group to get us collectively through something that, at times, seemed impossible,” said Tom.

“This time it’s just me. I’m less of a cycling novice now but each day is going to be very long with more than 10 hours in the saddle as well as the mountain climbs, so it will be incredibly tough. But this is all about supporting the work of Spinal Research to try to achieve a positive change in Caroline’s memory.”

Tom’s fundraising page is open now

Every two hours someone in the UK is paralysed as a result of a spinal cord injury.

Spinal Research chief executive Louisa McGinn said: “Tom is a genuine inspiration, and we are incredibly grateful to him and Caroline’s family, friends and the wider equestrian community for their support.

“A spinal cord injury touches all those who love and care about the person paralysed. It affects every aspect of life every single day.

“Today, for the first time, research is delivering new function-restoring treatments that will truly change lives. More breakthroughs are waiting in the wings, but we need the funds to get them from the lab to the people who need them.

“Every pound raised by Tom, in Caroline’s memory, will bring us a step closer on the journey to curing paralysis.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Don’t be afraid to hope’: rider paralysed in fall joins bike marathon in memory of fellow eventer

Climbing from despair to new heights: Cycle 4 Caroline fundraising page to close – but efforts in rider’s memory will continue

‘I was lost and grieving, I needed a challenge’ – Piggy March on 1100km charity cycle ride

‘We’ve gone through every emotion possible and dug deeper than ever before’: charity bike riders complete 1,100km

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The year since Caroline March died has involved the “highest of highs and lowest of lows” – as the fundraising continues in her memory.

Although the Givewheel page set up for the epic Cycle 4 Caroline challenge last year closes on 31 March, this will not be an end to the efforts in Caroline’s memory.

Caroline died aged 31 last spring, a year after she sustained spinal injuries in a cross-country fall. Eight months later, a group of top riders and supporters, including Caroline’s brother and sister-in-law Tom and Piggy March, cycled from Blair Castle in Scotland to the Savoy in London, a 684-mile ride in aid of the British Eventing Support Trust and Spinal Research.

The total on the fundraising page is almost £303,000 – nearly £350,000 with Gift Aid.

“It’s a huge amount and we are all humbled and thankful that so many have supported and donated towards these two fantastic causes,” Tom said.

“Yesterday, 23rd March, marked the first anniversary of Caroline’s death. It would be a lie to say the 12 months which have passed since have been easy because they haven’t. But nor have they been without love, joy and achievement either.

“We have enjoyed the highest of highs and endured the lowest of lows, fallen into despair and climbed back out again to reach towards new heights.

“However, if this experience has taught me anything it’s the importance of humility and a dogged determination to keep going. Each of us is such a small cog in the enormous machine of life but if we just keep doing our bit we can all make a huge difference to the whole.”

H&H reported last summer that the idea for the cycling challenge came from a lunch with former eventer Tommy How, who is now a director of body protector manufacturer Racesafe.

Tommy was among the “core” group of cyclists who took on the whole ride, joined by guests for parts of the route. The others were Nicola Wilson’s husband Alastair (BE Support Trust patron), Piggy’s sister and five-star rider Nini French, course-designer and top eventer Ian Stark and Catriona Williams, Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Trust founder. Brett Bullimore, husband of championship rider Sarah, had to withdraw owing to an injury he sustained en route.

“On 31 March the Cycle4Caroline donation page will close marking the end of this journey but not fundraising efforts in Caroline’s memory,” Tom said. “We all know the next challenge is just around the corner, just make sure you’re ready to grab it with both hands.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Don’t be afraid to hope’: rider paralysed in fall joins bike marathon in memory of fellow eventer

‘We’ve gone through every emotion possible and dug deeper than ever before’: charity bike riders complete 1,100km

Olympic medallist to run marathon to support ‘inspirational’ fellow rider paralysed in fall

‘Something positive in her memory’ Zara Tindall, William Fox-Pitt and leading showjumpers join epic challenge

‘We’re delighted to bring loyal readers this benefit’: H&H magazine subscribers get free website access

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Olympic gold medal-winning eventer Ros Canter is preparing to take on the London Marathon in support of her friend Saffron Cresswell, who was paralysed in a cross-country fall.

Ros and Saffron had both entered the ballot for this year’s race. And after Saffron broke her back in two places and sustained damage to her spinal cord, in the fall at Bramham last June, Ros decided to run in aid of Spinal Research, which aims to restore function and movement for people with spinal cord injuries.

Ros was a keen runner growing up and completing the London Marathon was something she had always wanted to do but one that now has special significance.

“Saffron and I both entered the ballot and wanted to run it together,” she said. “Neither of us got a ballot place but after her accident I really wanted to do something to support her and to raise money and awareness around spinal cord injuries.

“Saffron is absolutely incredible. I have nothing but admiration and respect for how she has been able to pick herself and look forward to new challenges. She’s exceptional and a real inspiration.”

Ros has been squeezing her training runs around her eventing training, preparation and competition schedule, inspired by Saffron, who was paralysed from the chest down as a result of the fall. She has already tried wheelchair racing and is looking into a new career as a presenter and inspirational speaker.

“When I instantly couldn’t feel my legs I understood straightaway what was happening and potentially how bad it was,” she said.

“I’ve feel I’ve always known Ros. Last winter I went for a two-week training stay with her and mentioned that I’d love to run the London Marathon and we decided to enter the 2025 ballot together.

“I got the news I hadn’t got in the day I arrived at Yorkshire Regional Spinal Injuries Centre to begin my rehab. Ros has been incredibly supportive throughout and it’s brilliant that she’s entered to raise funds for Spinal Research.

“It’s been really hard going from being so fit and focused on my career doing what I love to facing a very different future, but I’m positive and determined to find new goals and purpose.”

Ros’s fundraising page is open for donations

A spokesperson for Spinal Research said someone is paralysed by a spinal cord injury in the UK every two hours. The charity funds research across the world into effective treatments for paralysis.

Chief executive Louisa McGinn said: “Saffron is genuinely an inspiration and we are delighted that Ros is taking on the London Marathon in support of her and as part of Team Spinal Research.

“Today, for the first time, we are in touching distance of function restoring treatments for people paralysed after a spinal cord injury and so every single donation brings our vision of curing paralysis a step closer.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Cycle ride along UK’s longest bridleway to raise money for paralysed event rider

Young rider who fell at Bramham shares update on her ‘long road to recovery’

Which of Ros Canter’s five-star aces is she tipping for next season – and her new dream for the future

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Zara Tindall, William Fox-Pitt, Joe Stockdale and Jack Whitaker are set to be among up to 100 supporters joining the Cycle4Caroline team on the last leg of their epic journey.

The former world and European eventing champion, the multiple medallist and the two leading young showjumpers will join the core team who left Blair Castle in Scotland on 20 November to cycle 684 miles to The Savoy hotel in London, arriving in time for the British Eventing Support Trust (BEST) ball on Saturday (30 November).

The ride was organised in memory of eventer Caroline March, who died in March aged 31, nearly two years after she suffered spinal injuries in a cross-country fall. By today it had raised nearly £124,000, for BEST and Spinal Research.

“The challenge reached in excess of £100,000 in donations by the end of day four, when the team faced driving snow and freezing conditions courtesy of Storm Bert,” a spokesperson for Cycle4Caroline said. “Refusing to give up, the team opted to walk a stretch of the journey before remounting to complete the stretch after some nine hours on the move.”

Follow the riders’ progress

Supporters are invited to join the riders for the last leg, of about 37 miles from Windsor to London, on Saturday.

Joe, who will be among them, said: “Spinal Research is a charity close to home as my dad, the late Tim Stockdale, broke his neck in a fall and came back from it to ride again.

“I am looking forward to taking part in the Cycle4Caroline. I’m sure our competitive edge will come out as well to see who can get to the Savoy quickest!”

Donate online

Jack added that he is up for the challenge of the ride.

“I’m normally at home riding horses not bikes so it might get interesting!” he said “It is for a great cause and hopefully we can raise as much money as possible for Spinal Research.”

The core team who set off from Blair are:

• European gold and silver medallist Piggy March
• Caroline’s brother Tom March
• Double Olympic gold medallist and BEST chair of the board of trustees Ian Stark OBE
• BEST patron Alastair Wilson
• Medal-winning eventer Holly Woodhead
• Top-level eventer Nini French
• Racesafe Director Tommy How
• Former top-level eventer founder Catriona Williams
• Brett Bullimore was forced to withdraw as he suffered an injury owing to a crash on day three

Tom said: “We’re really focused on making Cycle4Caroline a success. I’m looking forward to the whole challenge and being able to achieve something positive in Caroline’s memory for the benefit of others.

“If we can make a difference to the lives of others that will make all the work worthwhile. Caroline’s life was completely transformed by her spinal injury, and she really believed in the need to pursue scientific advances to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

‘Don’t be afraid to hope’: rider paralysed in fall joins bike marathon in memory of fellow eventer

Piggy March among those tackling epic Cycle4Caroline ride to raise half a million pounds for charity

Piggy March: ‘It’s definitely not all downhill on the way home from Blair’

‘I was lost and grieving, I needed a challenge’ – Piggy March on 1100km charity cycle ride

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

“We can do this” is the message from a former eventer, who walked this summer, 22 years after she was paralysed in a riding fall.

Catriona Williams has flown from New Zealand to take part in Cycle4Caroline, a bike marathon in memory of fellow eventer Caroline March. She and others including Caroline’s brother and sister-in-law Tom and Piggy March, and British Eventing Support Trust patron Alastair Wilson, husband of 2021 European eventing champion Nicola, left Blair Castle in Scotland today (20 November) and will arrive at the Savoy Hotel in London in 10 days’ time. The 684-mile ride has so far raised over £58,000 for the British Eventing Support Trust and Spinal Research.

“We can do this,” Catriona told H&H. “Spinal cord injuries shouldn’t mean a lifetime in a chair. We can do more.”

Catriona competed at Badminton Horse Trials and was aiming to represent New Zealand at the 2004 Olympics until her fall in 2002. She set up the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) Research Trust, which funds projects aiming to find a cure for spinal cord injuries.

Since she set up the trust, Catriona has completed the New York City Marathon and climbed to Everest base camp on a handcycle. She was a finalist in the 2014 KiwiBank New Zealander of the Year, inducted into the New Zealand Horse of the Year Show hall of fame, and recognised in the 2014 Queen’s Birthday Honours list as a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

She said she saw a post about the Cycle4Caroline ride by chance.

“I’m not very good on social media but it popped up,” she said. “I’d just got my bike, which I’d been working on for two years, and been for a ride. [My husband] Sam and I have a bit of a thing about either no or ‘Hell, yeah!’ and I said ‘I need to do this’.”

Catriona emailed Piggy but then found the Cycle4Caroline website and realised the ride was in memory of Caroline, who died aged 31 in March, nearly two years after she suffered spinal injuries in a cross-country fall.

“I realised this wasn’t just riders going for a cycle, it was a really big deal and maybe I was gate-crashing,” she said. “I sent another email apologising but within minutes, got a beautiful email back saying ‘We’d love you to come’. I feel very lucky to be among these courageous, brave, inspiring people.”

Follow the riders’ progress on Facebook

Catriona said it is 22 years, almost to the day, since her fall.

“Everyone remembers the day it happens,” she said. “When I read Caroline’s post, it really hit a spot. I have a friend who was really upset by it and I said no one can judge. Only someone in her shoes knows what she was going through and right or wrong, agree or disagree, we have to do more, as an industry. Everyone who’s capable of supporting or donating; we have to do more.

“We have to back the research because change is coming but it needs money and if we put our hands up, we can make things happen.”

Catriona said she “stepped sideways” from the trust she founded as she wanted to push herself and her body to see what she could achieve.

Donate to Cycle4Caroline online

“I’ve got my legs moving, I can stand in a frame,” she said. “I walked into our dinner this year.

“I’m 53 and the message is, this is what I’m doing, 22 years post injury. If we back the research and add it to what’s being done, whether it’s stem cells or electrodes – I wouldn’t do this if I didn’t believe it was possible. It’s so exciting when you speak to people at Spinal Research UK; this will happen, but it won’t happen without support.”

Catriona joked that “as a disabled person, able-bodied people don’t move fast enough” but stressed that every pound raised will help the “best and brightest minds” conduct the research needed to find a way for people with spinal cord injuries to recover.

“I feel it’s something the equestrian industry can really get behind,” she said. “Unless you’re really close to it, you tend to just go ‘yeah, yeah’ and carry on, which is of course natural, but if you’re the person in the chair or their family, this is really exciting.

“We need to get people not afraid to back this, and not afraid to hope. We put a man on the moon; we can do this.”

Supporters are invited to join the cyclists through Badminton Park and on the last leg from Windsor Castle to London; more information is online.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Riders support research giving signs of hope for those with spinal cord injuries

Piggy March among those tackling epic Cycle4Caroline ride to raise half a million pounds for charity

Piggy March: ‘It’s definitely not all downhill on the way home from Blair’

‘I was lost and grieving, I needed a challenge’ – Piggy March on 1100km charity cycle ride

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Piggy March has spoken about why she’s taking part in the 1100km Cycle4Caroline bike ride, in aid of Spinal Research and the British Eventing (BE) Support Trust, and in memory of her sister-in-law Caroline March.

The Badminton and Burghley winner said at the launch of the event yesterday (19 August): “I’ve been eventing for 25 or 30 years and I love our sport, but I’ve realised over the past few years how fine the line is between enjoying a wonderful sport – not worrying about anything but whether you’ve won a rosette or had two fences down – and what really matters, which is family life, the people you care about. And I’ve seen how easily things can go wrong.”

She added: “I hate exercise, but I was mentally lost at the beginning of the year. I didn’t have any horses to aim for the Olympics and I was lost and grieving. I needed a challenge.”

Cycle4Caroline will involved Piggy March, her husband Tom and six other riders cycling from Blair Castle to London from 20-30 November, with the aim of raising £500,000 for the charities involved.

“It was important we did something that is going to be tough – to say, ‘Shut up, you’re lucky to have legs that still work, get to the top of that hill’,” said Piggy. “It’s important to put something back into the sport, to help other families in the future and give people the best possible quality of life after a serious accident.”

Piggy said she and bicycles are not natural friends: “I’d not been on a bike for years before we started training and one of my first memories is falling off a bike and breaking my nose when I was about eight years old.”

She added that she is used to sitting on a horse so the forward position of being crouched over handlebars is a different sort of conditioning for her body.

“I keep having to get off and lie down,” she said.

The riders are scheduled to arrive at the Savoy Hotel in London on 30 November, in time for the BE Support Trust ball at the venue that evening.

“I said to Tom, ‘Can’t we arrive a few days earlier?’ If we get to the Savoy for the ball and are still able to walk and talk and hold a glass of champagne, it’ll be a small miracle!” said Piggy.

Find out how to support Cycle4Caroline

• To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

Piggy March among those tackling epic Cycle4Caroline ride to raise half a million pounds for charity

British Paris Olympic gold medallists head up strong field as Burghley entries close

‘A special mare with such heart’: Piggy March remembers Vanir Kamira’s superb Burghley victory

‘We will miss her very much’: top horse retires to join 32-year-old grandmother in family herd

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Double five-star winner Piggy March and her husband Tom will lead a group of eight cyclists on a 1,100km ride from Blair Castle to London this autumn, a challenge named Cycle4Caroline.

They will aim to raise half a million pounds for Spinal Research and the British Eventing (BE) Support Trust in memory of Tom’s sister Caroline, who passed away in March this year after sustaining life-changing injuries in an eventing fall in April 2022.

“It’s been very difficult for all her friends and family and we found ourselves a bit lost in terms of where we were going and what to do with ourselves,” said Tom, explaining that the idea for the ride came out of a discussion over lunch with former event rider Tommy How, now a director of body protector manufacturer Racesafe.

“He was talking about riding from London to Paris, then Piggy said she’d be up for that and another beer later, it was spiralling out of control.”

The ride will start at Blair Castle on 20 November and finish at the Savoy Hotel in London on 30 November, the day of the BE Support Trust ball at the venue. Along the way, it will take in all the British CCI4*-L and CCI5* venues – Blair, Bramham, Burghley, Badminton and Blenheim – as well as Belsay, Chatsworth and Windsor.

Joining Tom and Piggy on Cycle4Caroline will be Tommy How, Ian Stark (chair of trustees for the BE Support Trust), Piggy’s sister Nini French, event rider Holly Woodhead, Brett Bullimore (husband of medal-winning event rider Sarah) and Alastair Wilson, who is joint-patron of the BE Support Trust with his wife Nicola Wilson, who suffered life-changing spinal injuries in a fall at Badminton Horse Trials in 2022. Special guests will join for sections along the way.

Training has started for most of the core participants, with some good-natured joshing at the event launch today (19 August) at Piggy’s yard in Maidwell, Northamptonshire.

“It’s downhill from Scotland to London – what can go wrong?” said Alastair.

Tom explained gently: “That’s not the case – and there’s a reason everyone cycles from Land’s End to John O’Groats, which is the prevailing wind, but we only learnt that after we’d set the route, so we’re looking forward to lots of wind in our faces in November.”

The group’s route will involve some significant hills when they stop in at Ian Stark’s home near Selkirk – “I wasn’t sure that was such a good idea, looking at the topography map,” said Tom – as well as when they visit Chatsworth.

“Having a support system is fantastic”

The group hope Cycle4Caroline will raise £500,000 through donations and partnering with businesses. The money raised will be split equally between Spinal Research and the BE Support Trust.

Alastair said: “The BE Support Trust were very good to Nicola and me when we were in trouble two years ago. When you are at rock bottom, having a support system to get hold of you is fantastic.

“You can lose your sport, your business and it’s a lonely place to be. And they help people with less serious injuries, too.”

BE Support Trust general manager Jane Hunter-Walsh said the money will be “transformative” for the charity, which was founded in 2021 to support the physical and mental health of BE competing members. It has helped more than 60 people since then.

“The average beneficiary has six sessions, at a cost of £540, and when someone has a life-changing injury, supporting them can run into six figures,” she said.

Tom said “having a safety net there to help in that moment of need is invaluable”, going on to talk about Caroline’s passion for new technology and developments in spinal cord research.

“We wanted a charity beyond equestrian, which is fighting to make people’s lives better when they have suffered a spinal cord injury,” he said.

Spinal Research has been operating for 40 years and is the UK’s leading charity funding medical research worldwide to develop effective treatments for paralysis caused by a spinal cord injury. Someone in the UK suffers a spinal cord injury every two hours, many of them in car crashes or everyday situations such as falling down the stairs.

Tara Stewart, chair of Spinal Research, said this support “couldn’t have come at a better time” because the charity is finally at the stage where function-restoring therapeutics are being tested in human trials, offering real hope that curing paralysis will be the medical breakthrough of the 21st century.

The support team for Cycle4Caroline includes cycling trainer Sara Symington (double Olympic cyclist and now head of Olympic and Paralympic programmes at British Cycling), physio Ash Wallace, bicycle mechanic Alan Rayner, Sarah Skillin (founder and director of marketing agency EquiConsulting) and Pippie Polson and Piggy’s head girl Amy Phillips, who are leading on logistics, marketing and partnerships.

Find out how to support Cycle4Caroline

• To stay up-to-date with all the breaking news throughout the Paralympic Games, Burghley, Horse of the Year Show and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You might also be interested in:

‘A special mare with such heart’: Piggy March remembers Vanir Kamira’s superb Burghley victory

British Paris Olympic gold medallists head up strong field as Burghley entries close

Badminton and Burghley winner embracing new career with 13-year-old rider

Big boost for Burghley – full steam ahead with five-star’s final preparations

Riders support research giving signs of hope for those with spinal cord injuries

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Extensive research is under way taking a holistic look at spinal injuries in jockeys, with a view to preventing these in future.

Physiotherapist and University of Bath PhD student Daloni Lucas gave an overview of the projects that come under the umbrella of the analysis of prevention of spinal injuries in horse racing, at the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF) conference (26 April). The research, funded by the Racing Foundation, is a collaboration between Bath University, the British Horseracing Authority and the Irish Horseracing Regulatory Board.

“In racing, there’s very little evidence that investigates the mechanisms of spinal injury,” Ms Lucas told H&H.

“So for example, there are studies that report the epidemiology, which is the sort of incidence and prevalence of spinal injuries in equestrian sports. But no previous researchers look to the aetiology [causes or reasons] to get an understanding of exactly how and why the injuries are happening, not just reporting that they are and the rate of injury.”

She added: “First, you need to understand how big the problem is and then you need to understand exactly why they’re happening. And with those two things, you can look at prevention strategies, but without understanding why they’re occurring, you can’t actually inform injury prevention.”

Individual studies beneath the umbrella include analysing 700 videos of falls, taking into factors including race type, environmental conditions such as the ground and the fence, and a person’s health and medical history alongside looking at the biomechanics of the fall itself. For every person who sustains a spinal injury in a fall, the study will look at four who did not, to try to pin down the significant variables that contribute to injury.

The next step, which will be undertaken by another PhD student, will be computerised spinal injury simulations.

The research has also led Ms Lucas to explore the current use of safety wear in racing, which is also helping in the development of body protectors and a push towards education of how they should fit.

Ms Lucas found that “alarmingly”, 64.3% of jockeys who responded had not been fitted for their current body protectors, and more than a third of those tested were not wearing the right size.

This has led to “lots of positives”, including adding weight to a push on education and also on getting fresh feedback from jockeys in terms of the flexibility and comfort, alongside protection they want and need in a body protector.

Racing’s body protector rules changed in 2017 in Ireland and 2018 in Britain, increasing the minimum standard from BETA level one to level two.

Racesafe, which produces BETA level two-standard body protectors, has produced prototypes informed by the research and the jockeys’ feedback.

Racesafe’s James How told H&H the research is “good timing”.

“From our point of view, the technology and the materials have developed and progressed sufficiently from 2017/18, which means we can look at developing an updated model,” he said.

“Now we are at the stage where we can offer the same level two protection in a new product that is lighter, more comfortable and a bit thinner.”

He added that Racesafe offers a vastly expanded range of sizes to suit different body shapes, and in-house alterations to ensure the garments fit well.

Racesafe’s retailers are all trained, and the firm is looking to educate jockeys further on licensing courses and valets, who care for and often procure equipment for their riders.

“[Correct fit is] critical,” said Mr How, adding that this covers protection, comfort and flexibility.

“There’s no way around it. It is all very well us developing a product that’s offering a certain level of protection and comfort, but if it isn’t covering the areas it needs to, it of course isn’t going to offer the same level of protection.”

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

‘They don’t go to hospital unless something’s hanging off’: research shines light on equestrian-related injuries

Riders support research giving signs of hope for those with spinal cord injuries

Dark clouds or a bright future? Why the sport must work together on mental health

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An Olympic eventer and a rider who was paralysed in a fall are raising funds for research that in trials has enabled those with spinal cord injuries to regain movement.

Former world champion Ginny Elliot is a patron of Spinal Research, for which trustee Tara Stewart has been raising money since she was paralysed from the neck down in 2014. Tara told H&H the research into neuromodulation, electrical stimulation treatment through the skin or via implants, is the subject of a number of clinical trials worldwide, in which participants have noticed various improvements.

“I’m on a trial involving stimulation through the skin and we’ve had remarkable results,” she said. “I’ve become stronger, recovered some sensation and have been able to activate my legs a bit. When I had my fall, I was told there was no hope; I’d never walk again. A couple of years ago, in Switzerland, a man who’d almost severed his spinal cord was able to walk with an implant.”

Tara was 43 when she had her fall in 2014, while hacking a horse who’d had kissing-spine surgery, the day before she moved him to a yard to progress his rehab.

“I got off his back and asked him to canter and he just exploded bucking,” she said. “Because I was in two-point position, I came straight off. I tucked my head to roll, but didn’t have enough distance and I hit the ground head-first. I heard my neck snap, so I knew exactly what had happened and I was on the ground for five and a half hours. Part of your brain thinks, ‘You know what’s happened, you’re paralysed now,’ but part is in total disbelief.”

Tara’s horse stayed with her, alerting a passer-by to her presence – “so he did save my life, bless him” – and she was taken to hospital, where her survival hung in the balance. She spent months in hospital and rehab.

“Then I got home and thought, ‘What do I do now?’” she said. “I’m a C6/7 tetraplegic, so all four limbs are affected, but I do have some use of my arms and one hand and am not on a ventilator, so I’m better than I could be.”

Tara chose to raise money for the air ambulance and Spinal Research, a charity actively working towards treatment for spinal cord injuries and paralysis.

The current fundraising drive is based around Badminton Horse Trials, this year and next, and an online prize draw. Prizes include a VIP lunch and course-walk with Ginny at Badminton 2023, a craft gin hamper and a Fairfax & Favor bag. Influencer Megan Elphick, who has qualified for the BE90 final at Badminton, is involved, so Ginny will do a course-walk of her course this year, which will be shared on Megan’s Instagram with the prize-draw details.

Enter the draw online by 20 May

Ginny told H&H the research and its implications are “incredibly important”. She started working with the Riding for the Disabled Association in the 1980s and has been a patron of Spinal Research since 1993.

“I’ve had more falls than I can shake a stick at and it’s a bit ‘there but for the grace of God’,” she said, adding that her fundraising efforts so far have included many course-walks, dinners and a four-day ride from Wiltshire to Stoke Mandeville.

“People got sponsorship and joined us because their friend or family member had had an accident and was in a wheelchair, and their stories are heart-rending,” she said. “Tara got hold of me and we hatched this plan, and what better person to work with than Tara? Her enthusiasm, her work ethic – she’s an extraordinary human being.”

Ginny said breaking her leg very badly in a fall in 1997, and the resulting lack of mobility, gave her a hint of what people with spinal cord injuries experience and made her even more keen to help.

“This fundraising is a real push to change people’s lives,” she said. “This neuromodulation is something that can do that.”

Some people in the trials have regained torso function or use of their legs; others have regained bladder and bowel control.

“We’ve got something that’s working and very promising,” Tara said. “We need more trials but the wonderful thing is there’s hope; we believe we can restore function. Everyone’s looking for the ultimate cure but any restoration of function, of control and dignity, would be life-transforming.

“There could also be implications for people who have motor neurone disease or strokes. And as we saw during Covid, amazing things can happen if the money’s there; with the right funding, you can do almost anything.

“It’s a feeling like the sun coming out after a long, long winter. I understand why doctors have to be brutal and tell you there’s no hope, but to have hope now that you might improve — even if I could improve the 10% function of my right hand, to write and type and dress myself, it would be transformational and that’s now within our grasp.”

Spinal Research CEO Harvey Sihota said: “Scientists are making remarkable progress in understanding the spinal cord and what it may take to restore vital functions after injury.

“We currently support a portfolio of 20 research projects, crucially eight of which are being trialled in humans. Funding is now critical to see these important discoveries translated to patients. Your support will help transform the lives of 60,000 people in the UK and more than 2.5 million people living with paralysis worldwide.”

You might also be interested in:

Calls for riders’ fall videos to help prevent future spinal injuries

‘When you live the reality of being in a wheelchair – we don’t want anyone else to join us’

Rider who overcame broken back hopes to inspire others

The rider suffered a compressed L1 vertebrae fracture and an L2 fracture

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horslyx has chosen 6 ambassadors from various disciplines, as part of a new scheme supporting riders that are committed to their sport. Nicki Strong, Bonnie Fishburn, Kim Chapman, Cara Shardlow, Katherine Cooksley and Jane Steeples are the 6 riders that have been chosen.

“This is the first time we have run anything like this and we were thrilled with the response,” said Horslyx product and sales manager Gillian Neill.

“All 6 riders demonstrated a fantastic understanding of Horslyx and I am fully confident that they will all be the perfect representatives when out and about. We can’t wait to work with them over the next year.”

Nicola Wilson has become an ambassador for Saddle Up, the rider campaign for Spinal Research. The charity is running a prize of getting the chance to meet Nicola and to follow her around at a competition.

“I was very honoured when Spinal Research approached me to be one of its charity ambassadors for Saddle Up and I had no hesitation in accepting, as I firmly believe the work that this awe inspiring charity does, will one day positively alter the lives of so many people who have suffered life changing spinal injuries and therefore couldn’t be more delighted to support this fundraising initiative,” said Nicola.

Pam Bushell and Andrew Harris will join Sarah Pidgley to complete the trio of British Dressage (BD) pony selectors, with Dr Robert Oulton becoming the new team vet. Andrea Smith is a new selector on the BD junior and young rider team, with Cara Hayward and Leanne Wall taking on the Chef d’Equipe duties under the guidance of Anne Keen. David Rowlands of Penbode Equine Vets in Devon has been appointed team vet.

“BD is extremely grateful to all our volunteers and those who stepped down from the youth committees at the end of 2013 contributed a great deal to our continued successes. These are exciting times for our young riders on the European stage and we now have a complete support network in place to help them achieve their dreams and goals,” said Amanda Bond, BD chief executive.

Jo Welsby has joined the Veterinary Thermal Imaging’s (VTI) team of thermographers. She’s a biomedical scientist and will be covering Hampshire. VTI uses infra red cameras to map heat patterns across an animal’s body, showing hot spots and cold spots.

“I’ve always dreamed of working with animals,” said Jo. “The opportunity to combine working with animals with such remarkable technology is absolutely fantastic and I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

A paralysed rider is planning to hand cycle 250 miles in 5 days to raise money for charity. The “Tower to Tower” challenge, from the Tower of London to Blackpool Tower, starts this Saturday (28 September).

Caroline Wareing, who broke her back in 3 places in a fall at the Staffordshire Show in 2009, will use a recumbent hand cycle.

“After learning I was paralysed, it was a case of getting through rehab and physiotherapy and trying to get back to normality,” said Caroline, a mother of 2.

The Tower to Tower challenge will raise money for Spinal Research and North West Air Ambulance, which airlifted Caroline to hospital after the accident.

Caroline will be supported by a team of 5 friends: Jennifer Anderson, Karl Crompton, Shaun Crompton, Jason Gorner and Katie Longworth.

To sponsor, visit www.virginmoneygiving.com/towerchallenge or text TOWER to 70300 to donate £5.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Spinal Research is appealing to the horse world to support its campaign to find an effective treatment for paralysis caused by a broken neck or back.

It is asking riders, livery yards, Pony Clubs, riding clubs and anyone involved with horses to organise an event such as a coffee morning or quiz night.

Competition organisers could also add a charitable donation to the entry form of the event they are running.

The appeal, which is running with the message “I believe in horses, I believe in hope, I believe in research”, has the support of top riders such as Billy Twomey, Francis Whittington, Nick Skelton and Mary King.

Olympic showjumper Billy said: “The ‘I believe’ appeal is raising money to fund ground-breaking research in a field that is very close to my heart. I have suffered a serious back injury in the last year but, due to brilliant advances in spinal research and surgery, I am back to full fitness and riding again. While it’s still early days, with fingers crossed, all indications are that I have made a full recovery.

“No matter how small or large your donation, it could help change someone’s life for the better.”

Spinal Research will support event organisers by promoting the event on their nationwide map on their website.

Simply register your event at www.spinal-research.org or tel: 01483 898786 and a fundraising pack will be sent out to you.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Paralysed eventer Claire Lomas has raised more than four times her initial fundraising target for running the London Marathon in a robotic suit.

Claire – who is paralysed from the waist down following an accident at Osberton in 2007 – revealed today that she has raised almost £203,000 for Spinal Research.

“Wow – thank you everyone who donated or supported in any way,” she tweeted.

Claire completed the marathon on 8 May, 16 days after she set off.

The mother of one now plans to cycle from London to Paris using a bike powered by her legs and arms next spring.

To donate to Claire’s campaign, go to www.justgiving.co.uk/claire-lomas or or text LEGS60 ï¿¡(the amount) to 70070.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Claire Lomas has hit her £50,000 fundraising target after 10 days of walking the London marathon course.

The eventer, who is paralysed from the waist down following an accident at Osberton in 2007, has walked around 15 miles of the 26-mile route in a robotic suit.

She passed the half-way mark – Tower Bridge – yesterday.

She will be passing through London’s Docklands today, with visits from ITV Daybreak presenter Dan Lobb and Lucinda Green.

And future celebrity visitors include Dave Vitty of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, BBC newsreaders Sophie Rayworth and Susannah Reid, Ben Fogle and Channel 4 racing commentator Alice Plunkett.

Claire hopes to cross the finishing post in the Mall next Tuesday (8 May) and so far sponsors have pledged more than £52,000 to Spinal Research through her fundraising efforts.

However when she finishes the marathon Claire will not be getting a medal and that’s annoyed many H&H readers, who flooded the Virgin London Marathon twitter account with requests for an exception to made.

The rules of the marathon were changed this year to read that anyone who takes more than 24 hours to compete the Marathon is not recognised.

Former GB rower Sir Matt Pinsent, who walked with Claire last week tweeted: “I would really like to think that someone who ran this years VLM would feel happy to give their medal to Claire Lomas.”

And Andy Fountain tweeted: “Can’t believe that @LondonMarathon won’t give @claire80lomas a finishers medal. If they don’t relent I will happily give her mine!!”

• To sponsor her, go to www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas or text legs60 £(the amount you want to sponsor Claire), to 70070.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It was wet, very, very wet – but Claire Lomas (pictured right of pic) was still smiling and continued to do so all day, despite obviously being extremely weary.

H&H newswriter Amy Mathieson and I joined the paralysed eventer yesterday, on day four of her efforts to walk the London Marathon in a robotic suit.

It was probably the wettest day London has seen for five years.

And as we made our way to the reconditioned Cutty Sark in Greenwich, south east London the rain was coming down in buckets.

Earlier in the day Claire had rung to tell us she understood if we’d prefer to come on a drier day – how could we!

So we joined Claire in Nandos, where she was sheltering from the worst of the weather and waiting for BBC presenter Clare Balding, BBC World Service radio and a local BBC TV crew to join her for the next leg of her journey.

Claire is one of just two people in the UK to use the Re-Walk suit – a powered exoskeleton that allows the wearer to walk with crutches.

The Re-Walk is designed by Israeli company Argo Medical Technologies and distributed in the UK and Ireland by Yorkshire-based Cyclone Technologies.

The Cyclone team has supported Claire on her marathon effort – literally, as one of a three-strong team – today Matt – has walked behind Claire, holding onto her hips the whole way.

Also walking with Claire yesterday was eventer Gemma Tattersall (left of top pic).

Gemma told H&H: “I didn’t know Claire personally before, but last year Ruth Mathieson, who was leasing a horse from me, had a fall and seriously injured her spine.

“It brought it home to me how easily it can happen and when I heard Claire was doing this I wanted to support her.”

After four days of walking Claire passed the seven-mile mark in a walk that will take her and her support team of friends, family and staff from the Spinal Research charity more than two weeks to complete.

“It’s really difficult but my technique is improving,” said Claire, “and I hope to walk over the finish line completely unaided.

“I have been amazed by the support I have received so far – it’s been absolutely unbelievable, with people like Clare [Balding] coming along today, Tim Henman, Matt Pinsent and loads more people signed up to come out.”

Clare walked nearly a mile with Claire and declared her “amazing”.

“She never stops smiling,” she said. “Really inspirational!”

Claire Lomas intends to raise at least £50,000 for Spinal Research. Today her fundraising reached the £30,000 mark.

To sponsor Claire, go to www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas or text legs60 £(amount), to 70070.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

As most of the runners who took part in yesterday’s London Marathon take a well-earned rest from their labours, plucky former eventer Claire Lomas is back out on the streets.

Claire, who was paralysed in a cross-country accident at Osberton in 2007, is walking the marathon in a robotic suit.

She completed 2.25miles of the 26-mile course yesterday, and at 10am today was due to pick up from where she left off.

She is likely to be walking for more than two weeks.

This morning she tweeted: “Day 2. Not too sore. Weather looks bad though… still can’t believe yesterday – surreal. Nearly cry every time think about it!”

She was joined for the last stint of the day by Olympic rower Sir Matthew Pinsent – which she said spurred her on.

“What an end to the first day,” she said.

Claire aims to raise £50,000 for Spinal Research. As this story went online her total was at £17,882.20.

To sponsor her, go to www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas or text legs60 £(the amount you want to sponsor Claire), to 70070.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Paralysed eventer Claire Lomas has had a boost to her fundraising efforts with a push on the H&H forum.

Claire has been confined to a wheelchair since being injured in a fall at Osberton Horse Trials in 2007.

But on Sunday she will line up with thousands of sportsmen and women and fundraisers to tackle the London Marathon in aid of Spinal Research.

Claire is one of just two people in the UK being trained to use the Re-Walk suit – a powered exoskeleton that allows the wearer to walk with crutches.

She has been training for the past 12 weeks (see picture) and has progressed to being able to walk two-thirds of a mile in 67 minutes.

So she expects to be on the Marathon course for around three weeks.

But Claire has signed up some celebrity guests to walk with her – including BBC presenter Clare Balding, tennis star Tim Henman, Olympic rower Sir Matthew Pinsett and the Radio 1 Breakfast Show’s “Comedy Dave”.

“I am very grateful to everyone who has signed up to sponsor or walk with me,” said Claire.

“It’s along way but I shall keep on going, with a few breaks as it’s quite hard on my wrists.”

Claire hopes to raise £50,000 for Spinal Research and as this story went on the web had reached £12,409.

To sponsor her, go to www.justgiving.com/Claire-Lomas or text legs60 £(the amount you want to sponsor Claire), to 70070.

Picture courtesy of John Giles/PA Wire

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

One of Great Britain’s leading equestrian lights is swapping her saddle for a swimming costume as she tackles the most demanding water hazard of her life.

Gemma Tattersall, 25, a member of the world class potential squad with an eye on London 2012 team selection, is swimming the length of the English Channel between 12 September and 12 December to raise money for spinal injuries charity Aspire.

Event rider Ruth Mathieson, who Gemma Tattersall knows well, suffered a spinal injury at Nurstead Court Horse Trials on 30 April.

Horsham-based Gemma said: “I will have to swim 1,416 lengths of a 25 metre pool during that period — not that I’ve been counting!

“I got to know Ruth Mathieson well as she leased experienced event horse Ollie Artois from me before her accident.

“What happened to her inspired me to do something to help.

“It will be a very busy time for me keeping 12 competition horses ticking over, and I’m away for two weeks.

“Thankfully I’m a strong swimmer anyway and did a fair bit at school so I won’t be doing much extra training.”

Aspire supports people with spinal injuries in a variety of ways including specialist housing, equipment and getting them involved in sports.

To support Gemma in her swim visit http://www.justgiving.com/gemmatatt

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Point Two Equine has given its support to Spinal Research’s “Stand and Be Counted” appeal, to help people with spinal injuries.

Paradressage rider Susanna Wade, who is aiming for the London 2012 Olympics with her Para Trust Training horse Lambrusco, is the first person to benefit from the collaboration. She has received a £200 bursary awarded by Point Two to put towards training.

Susanna was involved in a car accident in 1991 but has now regained enough strength, balance and stability to be able to ride again.

More than 40,000 people in the UK are paralysed as a result of damage to the spinal cord, and around 800 more are added to this list each year.

Point Two’s Air Jacket aims to reduce the number of injuries. It reaches full inflation in 0.1 seconds offering protection to the collar of the neck, spine, coccyx and rib cage.

Event rider Oliver Townend credited the jacket for minimising the effects of his crunching fall in Kentucky recently.

The Stand and Be Counted appeal raised more than £30,000 last year.

Isabel Robinson from Spinal Research said: “The bursary to Susanna is going to help her with her training and we are now asking for other para-riders to apply for next year’s award.

“The Stand and Be Counted appeal was such a success last year, but we want to do even better in 2010. We are looking for new fundraisers to help us raise much-needed funds for our research into spinal cord repair.”

Anyone who wants to donate or organise an event should call: 01483 898786.

For further information on spinal cord injury visit: www.spinal-research.org

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Supplements company Equine America is hosting a lecture demonstration evening with dressage rider Andrew Gould and event rider Emily Llewellyn to raise money for the Spinal Research Saddle Up Campaign.

The evening event will be held at Oldencraig Equestrian Centre on the 26 March and will include dressage and jumping demonstrations from both riders on a variety of horses.

There will also be a demonstration by Point Two Air Jackets and the chance to meet both riders.

All proceeds from the evening, including a raffle of horse products donated by a number of companies, and from the ticket sales, will go to support the Saddle Up Campaign, for which Andrew is an ambassador.

Andrew will also be running the London Marathon for the charity on 25 April.

Advance tickets are available until 19 March at £10 per person, and will be available on the night for £15.

For more information or to purchase tickets call Equine America on 01403 255809 or email kate@cortaflex.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Top riders including Emily Llewellyn and Andrew Thornton stripped to their underwear to raise more than £10,000 for Spinal Research and the Get Claire Walking Campaign last weekend.

A host of top names from the worlds of dressage, show jumping, eventing, polo and racing strutted their stuff on the catwalk at Newbury racecourse last Saturday night (16 January) for an evening of “Fun, frolics and fashion” hosted by former event rider Claire Lomas, who was paralysed in a fall at Osberton Horse Trials in May 2007.

Dressage riders Laura Bechtolsheimer, Carl Hester, Michael and Maria Eilberg and Andrew Gould took part and as well as event riders Daisy Dick, Tina Cook, Laura Collett, Sienna Myson Davies, Emily Llewellyn, Georgie Davies, Vicky Laing, Vittoria Panizzon and Harry Dzenis.

Show jumpers Tina Fletcher and Hannah Paul, polo player Mark Tomlinson and jockeys Sam Thomas, Andrew Thornton and Jimmy McCarthy and presenter Alice Fox-Pitt also took to the catwalk.

They modelled equestrian clothes, evening dress, casual wear and even underwear.

The show was presented by Mike Tucker.

“I’m quite relieved it is all over — but it was a huge success,” Claire told H&H.

“I couldn’t believe the names I roped into helping me. They were all fantastic, and were very natural on the catwalk!

“Laura Toogood (former eventer and now professional catwalk model) produced the show on the day and gave tips to the models. Their hard work was really appreciated and from watching the fashion show everyone could see what a great job they did.

“Thanks to everyone who modelled, Newbury racecourse and to everyone who bought tickets.”

Claire hopes to eventually get a hydro pool to aid her rehabilitation.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A host of top riders including Carl Hester and Andrew Gould have been signed up to strut their stuff on the catwalk at a charity fashion show at Newbury racecourse next weekend.

Riders from dressage to polo will modelling at an evening of “Fun, frolics and fashion” on Saturday 16 January, hosted by former event rider Claire Lomas, who was paralysed in a fall at Osberton Horse Trials in May 2007.

From the world of dressage Laura Bechtolsheimer, Carl Hester and Andrew Gould will be taking part and Daisy Dick, Tina Cook, Laura Collett and Harry Dzenis will represent event riders.

Show jumper Tina Fletcher, polo player Mark Tomlinson and jockeys Sam Thomas and Andrew Thornton have also been signed up as models. And Mike Tucker will be presenting the show.

The evening is in aid of Spinal Research and Claire Lomas Walk Campaign and there are still some tickets available.

”I am very grateful to all the busy riders for being models, and we have some lovely clothes to show off,” Claire told H&H.

“The team at Newbury racecourse has been fantastic to work with. We still have some tickets left to sell so please come along and enjoy this one off entertaining evening!”

Fashion ranging from equestrian clothes, casual wear, evening dress and underwear by 20 designers will be showcased on the night.

Tickets cost £45 or £55 (for tables near the catwalk) and include a two course meal, a Newbury racecourse day pass (for a day of your choice), drinks reception, live band and auction.

Please send SAE and cheque payable to Claire Lomas Walk Campaign to:

The Chestnuts

Eye Kettleby

Melton Mowbray

Leics

LE14 2TD

Please include your name, address and phone number.

Or call Claire on: 07970 574473.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Top riders will be strutting their stuff on the catwalk in January, all in the name of charity.

On Saturday 16 January Newbury racecourse is hosting an evening of “fun, frolics and fashion” in aid of Spinal Research and the Claire Lomas Walk Campaign.

Event rider Claire was paralysed in a freak accident at Osberton Horse Trials in May 2007. She is determined to walk again.

High profile riders from eventing, dressage, show jumping and racing will be modelling on the night.

Top names so far include William Whitaker, Tina Fletcher, Carl Hester, Maria Eilberg, Andrew Gould, Daisy Dick, Sarah Cohen, Laura Collett and possibly Oliver Townend.

The riders-turned-models will be given top tips during the day by Laura Toogood, former European Team Young rider and now professional catwalk model, ready to take to the stage in the evening.

They will be showing off equestrian and non-equestrian clothes.

The evening includes the fashion show, a two-course dinner, auction, live band and free pass to any Newbury raceday.

Tickets cost £45 or £55 for those closer to the catwalk. Tables are for ten but smaller groups will be taken.

Cheques should be made out to the Claire Lomas Walk campaign and sent with an and SAE to Claire Lomas, The Chestnuts, Eye Kettleby, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE14 2TD

For more information visit: www.get-claire-walking.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A Wow saddle, Ariat boots and half a tonne of horse feed are some of the prizes on offer in a nationwide equestrian raffle launched in aid of charity Spinal Research’s Saddle Up campaign.

Tickets cost £10 for 10, and proceeds go towards research into spinal cord repair. The raffle will be drawn on 30 October.

More than 40,000 people in the UK are paralysed as a result of damage to the spinal cord, and around 800 more are added to this list every year. The majority of injuries occur among 18-35 year olds.

The first prize is a Wow saddle worth over £1,700. And other prizes include a personalised portrait of the winner’s horse by artist Kathy Lewis, five pairs of Ariat boots, half a tonne of Baileys horse feed and a Kan body protector.

Specialist equine fundraiser at Spinal Research Isabel Robinson said: “Everyone who buys a raffle ticket will be helping the work we fund into spinal cord repair whilst also gaining the opportunity to win one of the 13 amazing prizes. With everyone’s help we hope that we will find a cure for paralysis”.

Call 01483 898786 or email saddle-up@spinal-research.org

For more information visit www.spinal-research.org

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Paralysed event rider Claire Lomas is fronting Spinal Research’s new awareness campaign, Stand Up and Be Counted.

The campaign was launched in December and aims to get people like Claire, who was paralysed at Osberton Horse Trials in May 2007, walking again.

Stand Up and Be Counted is supported by the British Equestrian Federation and top riders including Mary King.

For more information, email saddle-up@spinal-research.org.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (8 January, ’09)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Channel 4 racing presenter Alice Plunkett, trainer and 1988 Grand National winner Brendan Powell, international dressage riders Andrew Gould and Daniel Timpson and H&H news editor Abigail Butcher lined up last Thursday in a charity race for Spinal Research at Goodwood.

In a close finish, Alice riding the John Dunlop trained Balnagore and Brendan aboard Kerriemuir Lass owned by JP McManus, forged ahead in the final furlong to take first and second respectively. Abigail, aboard Hawkstar Express trained by James Boyle and owned by Inside Track Racing Club, finished third.

“I haven’t ridden in a race for years — it’s going to hurt tomorrow, but what a buzz,” said former point-to-point jockey Alice afterwards. “I was wearing Mick Fitzgerald’s boots and Rilly Goschen’s breeches on, so I had all the right kit!”

She added: “It was brilliant fun, my biggest fear was getting a leg-up and then making it to the post in one piece, but I managed. I was very lucky because I was riding a Ferrari in a go-cart race, thanks to the generosity of Mr Dunlop.”

Also taking part in the charity race, run over 1 mile 3 furlongs, was polo player Richard Buckfield and charity race veteran Leon Nurse.

Double bronze Olympic medallist Tina Cook was due to ride until her horse went lame the weekend before. Instead, the event rider started the race.

“It was a real honour to be asked to take part in the race — it’s the chance of a lifetime to race around Goodwood,” said Abi, who tried to gain an advantage by training solidly for two weeks beforehand, riding out for Epsom-based James Boyle and Newmarket trainer John Berry.

Some others, however, hadn’t done quite as much preparation.

“I had a quick canter at Jim Boyle’s and one ride on my horse, Morestead, beforehand,” said Andrew Gould, who was taking advice from Abi while walking the course on how to bridge his reins.

Third place from seven was a slight improvement on Abi’s last race, when she finished fifth of 11 at Plumpton on Easter Monday 2006.

“I just wish I hadn’t had my stirrups so short this time — I borrowed a jockey’s saddle and the leathers wouldn’t go any longer, so I completely ran out of steam in the last furlong and couldn’t push my horse on any more!”

She added: “It’s very kind of Jim Boyle and the owners of Hawkstar Express to let me have the ride.”

The Goodwood celebrity charity race raised about £25,000 for Spinal Research, Racing Welfare and local Sussex charity Boxgrove Priory.

Alice added: “Spinal Research is very much close to our hearts and a charity our industry should support.”

To make a donation, visit www.spinal-research.org

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Television presenter Alice Plunkett, racehorse trainer and former national hunt jockey Brendan Powell, international dressage rider Andrew Gould and H&H news editor Abigail Butcher will be among the line-up in a charity race at Goodwood.

The Goodwood celebrity charity race, run over 1 mile 3 furlongs, takes place at 1.30pm on Thursday 2 October — in aid of Spinal Research, Racing Welfare and local Sussex trust Boxgrove Priory.

Double bronze Olympic medallist Tina Cook was due to ride until her horse went lame last Friday. Instead, the event rider will be starting the flat race tomorrow.

H&H’s Abi Butcher has been training solidly for the past two weeks, riding out for Epsom-based trainer James Boyle and Newmarket-based trainer John Berry.

She will be riding Hawkstar Express, known as Porky in the stable, a three-year-old in training with James Boyle.

“It was a real honour to be asked to take part in the race — it’s the chance of a lifetime to race around Goodwood,” said Abi.

“It’s been hard work trying to get as fit as I can in a fortnight — but really fun. I’ve been completely bitten by the racing bug again.”

She added: “It’s very kind of Jim Boyle and the owners of Hawkstar Express — Inside Track Racing Club — to let me have the ride tomorrow. Porky is a beautiful horse.”

For more information visit www.spinal-research.org or to sponsor Abi, email abi_butcher@ipcmedia.com

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A 120-mile cycle ride from Burghley to Blenheim Horse Trials is being organised in aid of Spinal Research as part of its Saddle Up campaign.

Mandy Lacock, a long-term supporter of Spinal Research, is cycling the whole route but is asking people, and especially members of the Pony Club to join her on their bikes along the way.

The ride will start from the main arena at Burghley Horse Trials in Stamford, Lincolnshire on Friday 5 September and finish in the main arena at Blenheim Horse Trials in Woodstock, Oxfordshire on Friday 12 September.

Mandy is hoping that more than 100 people will be taking part in various stages of the ride.

Mandy told H&H: “Last year I cycled from Henbury, in Cheshire to Burghley, which took me five days, but this time I’ve decided to cycle from Burghley to Blenheim.

“I’d really like to get as many people involved as possible. I’ve contacted all the local Pony Clubs to see if their members, and families, would like to take part in a section of the ride.

“I will be drawing up a five-mile route each day that I will invite people to join me on. But if they only want to cycle a mile after school then that would be great too.”

Five-time Burghley winner Ginny Elliot, who is patron of the Saddle Up campaign, will be taking part in some of the cycle ride too.

Ginny said: “Mandy’s cycle challenge is a wonderful opportunity for horse riders to show their support for Spinal Research’s Saddle Up campaign.

“It is a great way to raise much-needed funds for the charity’s groundbreaking research that will get people walking again after they have been paralysed.

“They can only do this with your help, so sign up now for a fantastic challenge and maybe you will be the one to join me in the main arena at Burghley or Blenheim!”

Twenty lucky people will join Ginny and Mandy centre stage in the main areas, ten at Burghley and ten at Blenheim. To be one of the chosen few the Pony Club members are being asked to write to Ginny saying why it is their dream to enter the main arena at either event.

It is hoped that the seven-day bike ride between two of Britain’s most prestigious events will promote awareness of spinal cord injury among the equestrian community.

Mandy told H&H: “I’ve been fundraising for Spinal Research since about 2001, Over the years I’ve raised about £15,000 from events such as race nights and sponsored walks — but this is my first major challenge!”

To take part in the cycle ride please contact Mandy on 01260 224538 or email saddle-up@spinal-research.org

A paralysed racehorse owner and breeder successfully completed the Great North Run on 30 September for the third time.

Tetraplegic Bill Shand Kydd was pushed around the 13-mile course from Newcastle to South Shields in a special lightweight wheelchair by a team of four runners — two friends, a godson and Bill’s son, Caspar.

“Caspar did absolutely brilliantly,” said Bill. “He’s 40 years old but he’s super fit. He and a friend stayed with me to the very end. But I lost one pusher — who is about 65 — after three miles, and another, my godson, after eight miles.”

He said his team had managed nine-minute miles.

“I was thrilled to bits,” he added, “but it was incredibly uncomfortable as I didn’t have the proper headrest.”

Bill said he was sent the chair without the correct headrest so he had DIY experts transfer the headrest from his electric chair the night before the race.

Despite this “cock-up” the team completed the course in 2 hr 4 mins, beating their previous year’s time of 2 hr 17mins.

“Next year I’m going to do it in under two hours. If we manage that I might hang up my racing wheels,” he joked.

The aim was to raise funds and awareness for the charity Spinal Research. He’s raised about £6,000 this year and is aiming for £10,000.

Before his accident 10 years ago when he fell from a horse in a team chasing accident, Bill was a successful point-to-pointer and won the National Hunt chase at the Cheltenham Festival in 1973.

To contribute to Bill’s Spinal Research fund visit www.justgiving.com/greatnorthpush07

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Top international riders such as Mary King and Ginny Elliot will be hosting a series of training demonstration evenings in aid of Spinal Research. The demonstrations are part of the Saddle Up 7 campaign which aims to alert the equestrian community of the risks of spinal cord injury.

Active people between 18 and 35 years-old are the typical victims of spinal cord injury, often sustained in sporting accident – principally horse riding, diving and rugby. More than 40,000 people in the UK are paralysed as a result of damage to the spinal cord, and around 700 more are added to this list every year. Each accident represents a sudden and devastating change to quality of life and expectations for the injured person as well as their friends and family. Saddle Up 7 aims to increase awareness of the risks of spinal cord injuries and raise funds for Spinal Research.

Ginny Elliot will be commencing the programme with an evening training demonstration at Hartpury College, Gloucestershire (11 April). Spectators will be able to watch and learn from Ginny as she works with her horse. The next demonstration will be by Andrew Gould at Plumpton College, East Sussex (4 May), followed by Mary King at Bicton College, Devon (1 June), Francis Whittington at Hadlow College (5 June), Jeanette Brakewell at Rodbaston College, Staffordshire (2 November) and Laura Fortune (date and venue to be confirmed).

Tickets cost £20 are limited so book early to avoid disappointment. Refreshments will be available on the night. For further information or to book tickets please download a ticket booking form from www.spinal-research.org (click on the Saddle Up logo) or telephone Isabel Robinson (Spinal Research) on 01483 898786.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Horse & Hound’s news editor, Abigail Butcher, has taken up a challenge with a difference — to ride in an amateur charity flat race for Spinal Research.

The race is part of Portman Building Society’s charity day at Plumpton on Easter Monday (17 April) and Abi has been training hard for the past month, with the help of seven-times champion jockey Richard Dunwoody, sports scientist Jon Pitts and trainer Philip Mitchell.

“I didn’t take on board how much the training would take out of me,” said Abi. “I’d only ridden out once before I started — let alone raced.

“Now I ride out with Philip on Epsom Downs twice a week before work, train in the gym with Jon after work, have exercises to do as often as I can at home — on top of cycling 12 miles a day to and from work, running and swimming — all around a busy job. It’s knackering!”

Abi will also undertake a day course at the British Racing School.

Twelve riders are entered for the race, including show jumper Nick Skelton and his son, Daniel, Soccer AM presenter Helen Chamberlain, former jockey Chris Maude and Harriet Rochester from the BHB.

Richard is training both Abi and Helen Chamberlain — who has not sat on a horse since she was a child.

“I’m making sure they’re safe to ride and will then take it to the next stage, being able to push a horse out to the finish,” said Richard, who became involved with Spinal Research three years ago after a neck injury forced his retirement.

“I have an arthritic neck, which is basically due to an accumulation of falls — I had nearly 700 falls during my career,” he added.

Jon Pitts, who trains top jockeys, including William Kennedy and Jim Crowley, has devised a specific training programme for Abi to improve her core strength, balance and stamina.

“I’m trying to adapt Abi’s muscle function to the specific technique of race riding, to provide her with the physical capability to make the most of her riding training with Richard,” said Jon.

• If you would like to support Abi by making a donation to Spinal Research please email: abigail_butcher@ipcmedia.com

H&H Online has a pair of VIP tickets to the Portman Building Society Race Day up for grabs. To enter the competition click here >>

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now