Hi!

My name is Ruth McLoughlin and I am very excited to announce that I will be taking part in The British Horse Society Charity Horse Race at Newbury Racecourse, on 7th November 2024.

I have worked for the past 10yrs as an apprenticeship coordinator, delivering Animal Care and Welfare (equine specific) qualifications to The Household Cavalry, alongside their military training. It is an honour and a privilege to work with such a prestigious and progressive regiment and I am totally passionate about raising awareness and developing knowledge for the ongoing and preventative care & welfare of their horses, and just as importantly of the soldiers that work with and care for them.

I was born into a family with a love, respect and appreciation of animals but no real interest in keeping pets and especially not horses, until at the end of a long line of siblings, I came along, a horse obsessed child. My mum finally gave in and took me along to the local (rough, ready and brilliant) riding school for my 8th birthday... I was hooked!

From humble beginnings I always starred as the Cinderella of the story. I have worked very hard as a top-level competition groom in racing, point to point, eventing, show jumping, dressage and every other equestrian discipline (besides polo), for top trainers and riders. I have retrained racehorses and problem horses for both myself and others, producing and competing very successfully to BE 100 and Riding Club Championship level. I have lacked the confidence to take on and accept the offers and encouragement to ride and compete professionally. However, I have thoroughly enjoyed my varied career with horses and in more recent years have turned to teaching riding, horse care and welfare, which brings me to now...

I jumped at the chance of applying for The BHS Charity Horse Race as it fulfils a lifelong dream of riding in a horse race (ever since watching The Black Stallion a million times as a child!). Also, The BHS supports and embraces everything I am passionate about and stand for as a professional equestrian.

As a BHS Senior Coach in Complete Horsemanship the BHS have been a constant support in my full time career, since taking my Stage 3 at The Yorkshire Riding Centre at 17yrs old. They continue to be so as The BHS are an integral part of a Cavalryperson's progressive training as a Regimental Riding Instructor.

What's also very exciting is that The Household Cavalry fully support me in this endeavour. Although contributions via this Just Giving Page will go directly to The BHS, I shall also be raising funds for The Household Cavalry Foundation, The Horses Trust and Head Up (The Mental Health Charity For The Armed Forces) through my fundraising events.

Together these charities provide for and encompass all that I am passionate about and this is a fantastic opportunity for me to support them, alongside my quest to improve and develop the knowledge, understanding and awareness of the care & welfare of horses and humans.

Please do donate, what ever the amount, as this will directly support the care and welfare of our horse and human friends.

I thank you in advance for your generosity.

For more information please see the following links;

https://wwwdev.bhs.org.uk/

https://www.hcavfoundation.org/

https://horsetrust.org.uk/

https://www.head-up.org.uk/