Resources and downloads

Now – May

• Sign up and set up your JustGiving page
• Choose your distance and how you’ll take part
• Have a look through Rideathon resources and downloads

Late May – June

• Tell a few close friends or family you’re taking part
• Share your JustGiving page to get your fundraising started
• Plan your routes 

July

• Ride, carriage drive, walk, run or cycle 25km or more
• Track your kilometres in a way that works for you
• Share photos, updates and milestones as you go

After you finish

• Download your finisher badge and share how it went
• Say thank you to the people who supported you
• Receive your rosette and certificate enjoy the moment 🎉

Decide how you'd like to take part and what feels right for you and your horse.

You can choose to complete 25km, 50km, 100km or more during July. Ride, walk in-hand, carriage drive or cycle. You might even want to invite friends to join you.

Everyone who takes part will receive:

• An exclusive special edition Rideathon rosette
• A certificate to mark your achievement
• A chance to win prizes if you’re a top fundraiser

If you haven't already, signing up here makes sure we have your details and can send you your Rideathon rosette and certificate.

Many people find it easiest to begin fundraising by asking a small number of people they know well. It helps get your page going and builds confidence before sharing more widely.

This can be a quick conversation, a text or WhatsApp message, or a short email.

Starting early really helps. Even a few first donations can make everything feel easier.

A simple message is enough, for example:

“Getting out on my horse is one of the best parts of my week. That’s why I’m taking part in the BHS Rideathon this July, to help protect off-road routes that make riding and access to the countryside possible. If you can support me, I’d really appreciate it.”

Once you’ve got started, share your fundraising page more widely on social media (using #rideathon and tag BHS).

Most people donate because they care about you and why this matters to you. A photo, a short message and your JustGiving link is all you need.

You can share your own photo or download one of our social media badges. We've got some example wording to help you get started.

You can also share your page with your riding community, yard, riding school or club, in person or through group chats and social media.

If you’d like more ideas, take a look at our fundraising ideas and tips below.

Use our Rideathon badges to help spread the word and celebrate your progress:

Coming soon

Finisher badges:

Coming soon

Here are a few short examples you can tweak or use as inspiration:

“Spending time outside with my horse really matters to me. But blocked bridleways, broken gates and busy roads are making that harder. This July, I’m taking part in the BHS Rideathon to help protect off-road routes for horses and riders, and for everyone who values access to the countryside. If you can support me, I’d really appreciate it.”

“This July, I’m taking part in the BHS Rideathon because being outside with my horse matters to me. Safe, off-road routes let us relax and enjoy the countryside together. I’m fundraising to help protect those routes for the future. Thank you if you’re able to support me.”

“Time outside with my horse is one of the best parts of my week. I’m taking part in the BHS Rideathon to help keep bridleways open and safe, so horses can enjoy the countryside away from traffic. I’d be really grateful for your support.”

“This July I’m riding XXkm for the BHS Rideathon to help keep off-road routes open and accessible. These routes matter to me and my horse, and they’re disappearing quietly. Every donation helps protect them. Thank you if you can support me.”

Remember to include your JustGiving link and use #rideathon and tag BHS when you share.

• Start early. Let people know you’re taking part before July. It gives fundraising time to build.
• Start small. Begin with close friends or family to get your page going and build confidence.
• Ask more than once. People often mean to donate but forget. Gentle reminders really help.
• Share your progress. Photos from your rides, maps, milestones and updates on distance or funds raised keep people engaged, on social media and on your JustGiving page.
• Make it personal. People give because they care about you and why this matters to you.
• Say thank you. A quick thank you goes a long way and often encourages others to donate too.

If you need ideas to help start conversations, take a look at our fundraising ideas below.

Why it works
People like giving when they get something small in return, and it starts easy conversations.

Bake some brownies or cakes, take them to the yard (or your office), and let people know you are doing Rideathon. A simple sign saying ‘Donate what you can’ works well.

Where it works well
At the yard, riding school, or with friends

Try saying: “I’m taking part in the BHS Rideathon to help protect bridleways and off-road routes. Please help yourself to a brownie and donate if you can.”

Why it works
It is familiar, clear and easy to understand.

Ask friends or family to sponsor you per kilometre (for example £1 or £2 per km), or to donate once you complete your 25km.

Where it works well
Friends, family, colleagues

Try saying: “I’m riding 25km for the BHS Rideathon this July. If you’d like to sponsor my mileage, I’d really appreciate it.”

Why it works
People connect with stories and moments, not just links.

Share a photo from a ride and a few words about why being outside with your horse matters to you, especially if you have experienced blocked or overgrown routes.

Where it works well
Social media, WhatsApp, email

Try saying: “Being able to ride off-road means a lot to me and my horse. I’m doing the BHS Rideathon to help protect these routes, and any support would mean a lot.”

Think about how you would like to spread your distance across July. Breaking your goal into smaller rides can make it feel much more achievable.

Choose routes that work for you and your horse, and take time to plan ahead. You can find helpful guidance on:

• responsible riding
• planning safe and suitable routes

A gentle reminder

However you choose to take part, remember to ride safely and responsibly, including wearing high-vis where appropriate and choosing routes that suit you and your horse.

Keeping track of your kilometres helps you stay motivated and makes sharing updates easy.

You might already use a tracking app, or prefer to note distances manually, either works. We’ll share more soon about how Rideathon participants can track their kilometres together and celebrate the total distance covered as a community.

For now, choose what works best for you.

Stay safe

Every ride should be a safe one. Always wear a helmet and any other safety equipment. We also recommend wearing hi-vis or reflective gear.

Look after your horse

Before you begin, carefully assess your horse’s current fitness.

Build up gradually, avoid overdoing it, and adjust your distance if needed. Rideathon should feel positive and enjoyable, your horse’s wellbeing always comes first.

You can find more guidance on horse care and welfare on our website.

Keeping people updated helps keep fundraising going.

As you ride, update your JustGiving page and share photos or short videos on social media. You might share:

• how your rides are going
• how close you are to your distance goal
• progress towards your fundraising target

Tracking your kilometres, whether with an app or manually, also makes it easier to share updates and celebrate milestones.

It’s fine to ask for donations more than once. Gentle reminders often make a big difference.

Remember to include your JustGiving link and use #rideathon and tag BHS when you share.

When you reach your goal, take a moment to celebrate what you’ve achieved. 🎉

Thank your supporters and let them know how their donations have helped protect off-road routes for horses and people. A simple thank you often encourages others to donate too.

A lot of donations come in after the challenge ends, so it’s worth sharing one final update once you’ve finished.

Don’t forget to download your finisher badge from the links above and share it on social media to celebrate and say thank you.