Skip to content
Join
back to home

Gifts in Wills FAQs

  • Last reviewed: 6th October 2025

Common questions about leaving a gift in your Will answered here  

Find answers to common questions about leaving a gift in your Will to BHS. 

What is legacy giving?

Legacy giving means leaving something in your Will. This could be a share of your estate, a fixed sum of money, property, or other assets. Every gift, whatever the size, helps us continue our vital work. 

How can I include the BHS in my will?

You can ask your own solicitor to include a gift to the BHS, or use our free Will-writing partner, Octopus Legacy. There’s no obligation to leave a gift, but we hope you’ll consider supporting horses and riders for future generations. 

What type of assets can I leave to the BHS in my will?

Giving the gift of legacy can take many forms, including: 

 

  • Bequests which define a specific sum of money, or percentage of estate or assets designed for a charity. 

  • Beneficiary designations where a charity becomes a named beneficiary of certain accounts. 

  • Charitable trusts which provide ongoing support for a designated charity. 

  • Gifts of property such as real estate, artwork, or other valuable assets. 

Why leave a gift in my Will?

  • This gift now costs you nothing. 

  • The gift that is left to the charity is tax-free. 

  • Charitable gifts can also reduce the amount of Inheritance Tax that the rest of your estate will pay. If you give at least 10% of your taxable estate to charity, the Inheritance Tax for the rest of your estate drops from 40% to 36%. 

What if I already have a Will?

You don’t need to start again. A simple legal document called a codicil allows you to add a gift to the BHS without rewriting your whole Will. A solicitor can help you with this.

Does my gift have to be large to make a difference?

Not at all. Every gift, whatever the size, helps protect the future of horses and riders. Even 1% of your estate can have a lasting impact while making sure your loved ones are cared for first.

Will my family be affected if I leave a gift to the BHS?

We always encourage supporters to look after family and friends first. After that, any gift you choose to leave to the BHS will go towards protecting horses and supporting riders for generations to come.

Can I choose how my gift is used?

Most supporters allow us to use gifts wherever they are needed most, which means we can respond to the greatest priorities. If you would like your gift to support a specific area of our work, please contact us to discuss the best way to do this.

Do I need to tell you if I’ve left a gift?

You don’t have to, but we’d love to know if you’ve remembered us in your Will. That way we can thank you properly and keep you updated about the difference gifts in Wills make. You can let us know by completing our online pledge form.

Any other questions?

If you’d like to know more, you can request our Gift in Wills guide or get in touch at giftsinwills@bhs.org.uk or by calling 02476 840500. 

You may also be interested in