Horse & Hound, Britain’s leading equestrian weekly magazine, today announces that the Injured Jockeys Fund will be its charity of the year for 2016.  

“However brilliant and capable the rider, no one is invincible, and it’s frightening to think that any of those equestrian greats we follow each week at Horse & Hound might one day be in need of the Injured Jockeys Fund’s support — but simultaneously reassuring that support is available,” said Horse & Hound content director Sarah Jenkins. “We’re therefore delighted to be able to help the organisation’s cause through making the Injured Jockeys Fund Horse & Hound’s charity of the year 2016.

“Equestrians, as a general rule, are such a tough, stoical bunch, that they’ll consistently belittle their injuries, even those that are catastrophic, while continuing to put their horses’ needs before their own. The Injured Jockeys Fund does incredible work in looking after those who might not otherwise put themselves first.”

Horse & Hound has given a donation to the Injured Jockeys Fund for every display advert booked in today’s issue carrying the charity’s logo and is encouraging its readers and advertisers to help the charity too. Anyone can donate through the link on the home page of the Horse & Hound website, www.horseandhound.co.uk

Injured Jockeys Fund chief executive Lisa Hancock said: “The Injured Jockeys Fund is delighted to have been chosen by Horse & Hound as its charity of the year. The magazine’s commitment to racing as part of its complete equestrian coverage makes it the UK’s leading equine weekly publication.

“We look forward to working with Horse & Hound throughout the year raising the awareness of the Fund’s two state-of-the-art rehabilitation centres, Oaksey House and Jack Berry House, whose physio and gym facilities are now available to the wider equestrian community.”

Today’s issue of Horse & Hound launches the Injured Jockeys Fund as Horse & Hound’s charity of the year with a news report on the charity’s history and how it helps riders, as well as interviews with event rider Laura Collett and jockey Noel Fehily about their experiences with the Injured Jockeys Fund. Horse & Hound also goes backstage at Oaksey House, finding out more about the brilliant work carried out there. Injured Jockeys Fund president John Francome writes a guest comment for the issue.

The issue’s cover star, Kitty King, is an event rider hotly tipped to be part of the British team at the 2016 Olympics. In an exclusive interview inside the magazine she talks about her aspirations for Rio, as well as the physio she received at Oaksey House when she broke her wrist two years ago.

Horse & Hound will be following up this launch with regular features in the magazine and website throughout 2016.

Injured Jockeys Fund website: www.injuredjockeys.co.uk

Horse & Hound website: www.horseandhound.co.uk

For more information, contact Horse & Hound acting print director Pippa Roome: pippa.roome@timeinc.com or 0203 148 4569. Mobile number for 24 December-4 January: 07866 318199