This year the Shire Horse Society Cyclepaths will be riding a bigger and better (maybe….) Coast to Coast Ride! Barmouth to Great Yarmouth!! A whopping 320 miles! This year we have chosen a charity that supports some of the people who are, have been and will be, the backbone of rural communities.

The 2024 ride will raise money for both the Shire Horse Society and the DPJ Foundation.

Since 1878 the Shire Horse Society has been working to protect the breed and ensure that it continues to grow by maintaining interest in these magnificent horses. The charity actively encourages and promotes the breeding of the Shire Horse throughout the United Kingdom, together with the conservation and development of these horses very much seen as a part of our national heritage.

The DPJ foundation was set up in 2016 in Pembrokeshire. It is a mental health charity supporting those in the agricultural sector. The charity has grown from humble beginnings supporting the people of Pembrokeshire, to covering the whole of Wales and England.

Mental health issues in the agricultural sector often go undiagnosed and unseen. The sector has some of the highest suicide rates of any industry. The DPJ Foundation is there to provide help and support that many don’t know how else to access.

Victoria Clayton, CEO of The Shire Horse Society said, ‘when we sat down after the ride in mid-May 2023 we knew we’d like to support a mental health charity for 2024. We took the view that helping those in a sector with the highest rate of suicide was something that we could not ignore’.

‘From farmers to contractors, feed merchants to shepherds, the people in agriculture number thousands. If a small team of us can raise enough money riding bikes coast to coast to make a difference and help anyone suffering, we’ll be delighted’.

For anyone wanting support, call the DPJ Foundation on 0800 587 4262 or visit www.thedpjfoundation.co.uk