London International Horse Show is delighted to announce that the Official Charity for the 2025 event will be Sport In Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity.
As the Show’s Official Charity, Sport In Mind will have the opportunity to showcase its philanthropic efforts to the equestrian sector during the build-up to – and the running of – the Show, which this year runs from 18-22 December. With a mission to improve the nation’s mental health through sport, Sport In Mind’s trailblazing work harnesses the power of sport to inspire, educate and promote good mental health.
A long-term partner of the NHS, Sport In Mind has transformed the lives of over 31,000 people struggling with mental health challenges since its inception in 2010. Research shows that being active is clinically proven to improve mental health, and so the Charity works to provide access to sport for all who need it, transforming the lives of some of the most vulnerable, disengaged members of society. Their unique UK-based programmes are designed to combat the barriers to sport and exercise that many people face, including non-supportive environments, low levels of confidence and self-esteem, social anxiety and mental health challenges, and champions the benefits of physical activity.
Following hugely successful programmes in other sporting sectors, in early 2025 Sport In Mind branched out, partnering with the British Equestrian Federation to deliver their winning formula across the equestrian sector. The Charity has been improving access to weekly equestrian-based sessions through the NHS for more adults and young people, as well as providing mentorship and training for the equestrian sector’s own workforce to create optimal and accessible environments for those with mental health issues. Furthermore, the creation of federation-wide e-learning resources have assisted with developing understanding around mental health and the positive impact equine activities can have.
A natural choice for the Official Charity to the UK’s biggest indoor equestrian show, Sport In Mind will benefit from activities during the run-up to the Show, including having access to the Show’s high-profile ambassadors and charity donations being encouraged through ticket sales. The Charity will also receive a proportion of revenue from the designated charity performance tickets, in addition to having fundraising opportunities on-site during the Show.
Kayleigh Harris, Head of Growth and Innovation at Sport in Mind said; “We are thrilled to be chosen as the Official Charity for London International Horse Show. Our work in 2025 on highlighting the benefit of equestrian sport to mental health has been hugely beneficial, and we are so pleased to have the opportunity to showcase this impact to the London International Horse Show audience. The demand for our services is huge, and the need has never been greater as more people face mental health challenges, and by directing the transformative power of horses to support those most disadvantaged, we aim to make an even greater impact. We are incredibly grateful to London International Horse Show for providing us with the opportunity to build our community of support and raise lifechanging funds.”
London International Horse Show Director, Jonathan Goold, added: “We are delighted to name Sport In Mind as the Official Charity for the 2025 Show, and are hugely proud to be able to support the Charity’s work. As a Show and a sector, equestrians know the value of riding to mental health, and what a positive and profound effect horses can have upon it. We are looking forward to working closely with Sport In Mind over the next six months, and I can’t wait to see what this partnership brings.”
With a history stretching back over a century, London International Horse Show is a significant event in the worldwide equestrian calendar and brings the UK legs of the FEI World Cup™ qualifiers in Jumping, Dressage and Driving to London’s Excel each year, just in time for Christmas. Attracting many of the world’s top riders and horses, visitors enjoy a packed and thrilling schedule spanning five days of top-level international competition, plus equestrian displays, masterclasses, live stages and hospitality, while the shopping village also hosts the largest collection of equestrian and countryside lifestyle shops available in London.
