This year I have the privilege of riding in the Magnolia Cup for the charity- Education Above All. This incredible charity runs a project called Educate a Child International and this race is specifically supporting schooling for girls in Malawi.

When given this opportunity I rather nervously accepted the challenge. I was honoured to be chosen, but I knew that getting myself ‘race ready’ would be an immense feat.

I grew up riding and evented until I was sixteen years old. Sadly, life got in the way and I haven't ridden much over the last thirteen years. Hence my apprehension!

After getting a place in this year’s race, the extraordinary trainer George Boughey kindly and perhaps bravely, agreed for me to train with him. The whole yard has been extremely kind, helpful and supportive. I couldn't be more grateful to them.

The first few weeks of riding out was INTENSE and it has taken me a while to fully get to grips with how to ride a race horse. It is a totally different riding style to what I have been used to. I still have a LONG way to go and lots to learn but the 4am wake ups, jelly legs and general fear for my life (perhaps slightly dramatic) is getting better.

What does help is to remind myself why I am doing this. The Magnolia Cup is a wonderful platform to raise money for an incredible charity. No person should be denied the right to a proper education and there is a particular need to highlight this for girls in Malawi. To reduce poverty and create lasting change we must educate all women. When girls receive an education they lead longer, healthier lives. Educated young women are much less likely to become child brides or young mothers. Their increased income leads to greater financial independence and they are less likely to suffer domestic violence. Often these benefits are paid forward and their children inherit the advantages. It is a virtuous cycle.

Unfortunately, in Malawi only 13% of girls complete upper secondary school and among the poorest children this falls to 2%. 42% of girls are married before the age of 18, with 9% married before the age of 15. We want to give girls in Malawi better opportunities to thrive in life. Please help me to support this incredible initiative by sponsoring me and sharing this page!

Learn more at justgiving.com/campaign/magnoliacup2023

Any size of donation will be GREATLY appreciated. I will continue to post updates until the big day - 4th August so keep an eye out. I HUGHLY cherish your support.

Emma x