INJURED RIDERS CHARITY LAUNCHES 21ST ANNIVERSARY

Explains Sarah Bullen, The Fund's Chairman:    "The latest statistics* show that over 40% of people in Britain have an interest in some aspect of equestrianism and the incidence of injury remains high.  Everyone handling  horses is aware of the associated risks and no matter how careful they are, accidents can occur and could happen to every single one of us - whether or not we ride just for fun, work with competition horses, compete at any level or look after horses, but don't actually ride.

"In recognition of this, we are asking the entire equestrian community to come on board and support us reach our target of a quarter of a million pounds.  With 4 million plus riders out there at the last count, we believe that has to be achievable and this means the Charity can continue to be here for anyone involved with horses who becomes injured and is in need as a result of a horse-related accident."

• The recruitment of a team of 21st Anniversary Ambassadors including BBC Country File's Matt Baker, Sky Sports Presenter, Alex Quinn and ‘King of the Jungle', Christopher Biggins who will all be helping to spread the word.

Commented Matt Baker:  "Thinking back to the moment I dislocated my shoulder and cracked two ribs in the run up to Only Fools on Horses, or the taste of the Australian outback's dirt as my horse literally left me for dust, I do sometimes wonder what it is that keeps me riding. But I'm still here and I'm still throwing myself headlong into any equestrian experience on offer.

"It's great to know that whoever you are and whatever your involvement with horses, that the Fund is there for all kinds of support.  For all the money that is spent on our sport, a pound is not much for the peace of mind that the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund will be there for you, should you need them," ends Matt.

• A new Fundraising Guide - full of ideas and tips for individuals and riding clubs or organisations to run their own fundraising events and support The Poundcatcher campaign. The new guide can be downloaded from the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund's new website at http://www.mdirf.co.uk/.
• Other, centrally organised fundraising events which include: a planned On-line auction of ‘money-can't-buy-experiences' aimed at the horse enthusiast and offering some unusual Christmas present ideas; as well as participation at Your Horse Live (14-15 November, Stoneleigh) where the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund will be the official charity.

"We would like to thank The Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials for giving us the opportunity to announce our plans here and for donating a share of the proceeds from their course walks and Sponsored Ride.  We also welcome the support of all our founding commercial partners (below) and we hope other businesses, organisations and clubs will come on-board to support our cause over the coming months," ends Sarah Bullen.

ACHIEVEMENTS

In September 2009, The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund will be 21 years old.  Since that time it has:-

Helped Riders by:

• Providing well over a million pounds' worth of assistance to those injured (and their families) - riders from all walks of life, facing both minor and major, life-changing injuries.
• Ensuring hundreds of injured riders have been able to access all the benefits and assistance they are entitled to, from the state and elsewhere. This helps direct the Fund's charitable financial assistance where it is most needed.
• Giving advice and moral support to hundreds of injured riders and their families on all aspects of accident recovery, including medical referrals.

Worked to prevent and minimise injuries by:

• Providing ongoing advice to all British riders on riding hats, body protectors and other safety equipment.
• (During the 1990s and despite some controversy at the time) Pioneering the rationalisation and improvement of national hat standards leading to the introduction of the independent testing scheme (Enhap) and resulting in significant improvements in the level of head protection,
• Lobbying for a review of the construction of cross country ‘table' fences, reducing the incidence of falls and injuries at this type of fence.
• Initiating research into collapsible fences (subsequently taken on by British Eventing) and resulting in a ‘safer' frangible pin now widely used in the construction of today's cross country courses.

THE FUTURE  Rosemary Lang for The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund:

"Most,  if not, all of our beneficiaries over the past 21 years would tell you that they never thought it would happen to them, or that they would need to be seeking help from the Charity.

"This has only been possible due to charitable donations.  Every pound counts which is why we are urging  everyone in the UK who rides to support our 21st Anniversary Poundcatcher campaign.  We want to be able to continue to support anybody involved with horses  who is injured and in genuine need.

"As well as continuing to be there for everybody in that situation, we want to be in a position to pioneer  safety initiatives if the need arises and concerns are raised.  If an independent view is needed, we will always look into the issue." 

KEY FACTS

Popularity of riding as a hobby/sport:
At the last count, there were:

• 1.35 million horses in the UK.
• 4.3 million people - seven percent of the British population - are riders
• Some 2.8 million households contain at least one rider
• 43 percent of the British population have an interest in some aspect of Equestrianism

[The British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) 2005/6 national equestrian survey]

A dangerous sport:

Spinal consultants have been credited as saying that riding a horse is 20 times more dangerous than riding a motorbike.  It is estimated that a serious riding accident happens once in every 350 hours (compared to 1 in every 7,000 hours for motorbikes)

A snapshot of one region (Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in 2007) showed an increase of 65% in riding accidents over the previous 5 years.      [BBC Inside Out, March 2007]

The Injuries:
Serious horse riding falls typically cause injuries to the spine and head and bone breakages are common.

The Help:
There is only one charity in the UK where anyone can go for assistance if they are in need or suffering as a result of an injury from horses, with nowhere else to turn.  It's the Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund, set up in 1988 by Mark's parents following his fatal eventing fall.

The Charity offers practical and financial assistance to qualifying beneficiaries so  donations will go towards the following typical expenditures:
*  £10 per hour for a carer  *  £50 for a physio sesson  *  £100 for neuro-physiotherapy  *  £250 for a medical referral   *  £1500 plus for a wheelchair

Contact Details:

Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund
Lancrow Farmhouse, Penpillick Hill, Cornwall PL24 2SA
Chief Co-ordinator:  Rosemary Lang
Tel: 01726-813156 Mob: 07710-788364 Email: rosemary@mdirf.co.uk
DONATIONS can be made on-line at www.mdirf.co.uk

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