We were proud to host an inspirational day with Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and Show Ambassador Becky Moody, alongside diversity-in-sport champions Cool Ridings and our Official Charity, Sport in Mind.
This week, we spotlighted inclusion and mental wellbeing in the sport. Becky Moody led two coaching sessions with Cool Ridings, a community founded by event rider Lydia Heywood to support riders from underrepresented backgrounds. Participants rode their own horses or those kindly provided by Trent Park Equestrian Centre, receiving tailored guidance from Becky on rhythm, balance, and transitions – the building blocks of Dressage success.
2025 Official Show Charity: Sport In Mind
The day also welcomed Sport in Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity. Their team connected with riders and organisers to explore how equestrian activity can support emotional wellbeing. Spokesperson Aysha Naziri shared: “Spending time with horses can be incredibly grounding, promoting mindfulness, responsibility, empathy and calm.”
Lydia Heywood, founder of Cool Ridings said: “A lot of us have grown up watching London International Horse Show – so it has been surreal to be invited by the Show to be part of this totally inclusive training day. The Show has gone above and beyond to make a maximum impact on our Cool Ridings community, and it means the world.”
Jayda Everett [18], one of six Cool Ridings participants, was over the moon to have been coached by Moody, and said; “Today was incredible. I don’t think I have had that much fun in a flat lesson in ages! Becky is simply fantastic. She has so much experience and knowledge to share, and offered such valuable insight into the sport. I thought the way she was able to adapt her coaching to suit every Cool Ridings participant was amazing.”
Get Involved At The Show
Visit the Sport In Mind tradestand in the Shopping Village where you can chat to the team and find out more, or purchase a Saturday 20th Afternoon ticket to the International Arena to watch the 5* Mistletoe Stakes presented by Sport in Mind. Finally, don’t miss Cool Ridings on the Talk Horse Live Zone on Monday 22nd Afternoon, where you can hear all about being part of the Cool Ridings community, and more from their time with Becky Moody.
