Henry the mechanical horse will be promoting riding at fan zones set up around the country for the Olympics.
Big screens are going up in 11 major cities around the UK to show live coverage from Rio from this Saturday (6th).
The Official Team GB FanZones are showing coverage of most of the sport at the Olympics until 22 August.
Live competitions will be shown between midday and 10pm.
“We’re excited to launch the Official Team GB FanZones across the UK and Northern Ireland from Saturday,” said a British Olympic Association spokesman.
“With entry to the sites free and the opportunity to see live Olympic action from Rio 2016 we hope that as many people as possible will come down and show their support for the 366 Team GB athletes competing in Rio.”
National sport governing bodies including the British Equestrian Federation (BEF) will be taking stands in the fan zones offering practical advice.
Hoof, the BEF’s participation scheme, is taking Henry (pictured) on its tour of the cities to give the public a have-go-session.
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Goody bags and advice will be handed out, and visitors can pick up vouchers towards equestrian taster experiences.
“We know that some exercise improves fitness, some relieves stress, some gets you out in the open air – but we believe that horse riding and volunteering delivers all that and more,” said Anna Hall, the BEF’s head of participation.
Hoof will be at Coventry on 6-8 August; Bristol on 12-14 August, Glasgow 13-14 August and London (Tower Bridge) on 20 August.
More information on the individual FanZones, including operational hours, are available from local authorities or FanZone operators, or click here.
