Lycetts grant helps eventing charity deliver vital rehabilitation support

A £15,630 charitable grant from Lycetts has helped the British Eventing Support Trust deliver vital rehabilitation support to riders recovering from serious injury.

Awarded through Benefact Group’s Movement for Good Awards, which support charities across the UK and Ireland, the funding supported the Trust’s 2025 Rehabilitation Programme, helping injured members access specialist treatment.

The Trust has revealed that 46 beneficiaries were supported through its Rehabilitation Fund in 2025, including 20 riders with life-changing or complex injuries.

The grant helped provide access to 208 physiotherapy sessions and 106 neuro-physiotherapy rehabilitation sessions, delivered through specialist partners including the Injured Jockeys Fund centres and Hobbs Rehabilitation Centre.

Growing demand for rider support
The British Eventing Support Trust provides support to British Eventing competing members who are injured or experiencing mental health challenges.
Its latest figures show demand continues to rise. In 2025, contacts to the charity increased by 5% year on year, representing an 89% rise since 2022. Applications increased by 30%, while the number of beneficiaries supported rose by 55%.
The Trust also reported a sharp rise in amateur riders seeking help, with contacts from amateur riders increasing by 41%. Rehabilitation remains the largest form of support provided, although mental health support is the fastest-growing area.

Specialist support when it matters most
The Trust’s Rehabilitation Programme helps riders access treatment that reflects the physical and mental demands of equestrian sport.

The funding supported physiotherapy and hydrotherapy at Injured Jockeys Fund centres, as well as neuro-physiotherapy at Hobbs Rehabilitation Centre. This specialist care is especially important for riders recovering from complex or life-changing injuries, where progress can take time and the right support can make a major difference.

According to the Trust, the grant has “changed the lives and futures of multiple beneficiaries and their families”.
Professional eventer Melissa Joannides, who was supported by the Trust, said: “I genuinely didn’t think I would be able to ride again this season but with the treatment from Oaksey House funded by the BE Support Trust I went on to do better than I could have imagined.

“I am eternally grateful to the BE Support Trust because if I had to go down the NHS route, I’m not sure I would even be able to walk normally again, as they would not accept me for physiotherapy or anything. My competition year, business and ability to ride was saved by the BE Support Trust”.

A lasting impact
As more riders come forward, and as cases become more complex, charities such as the British Eventing Support Trust are playing an increasingly important role in helping people rebuild their confidence, independence and ability to return to the sport.
The impact of our grant reflects the importance of supporting organisations that understand the specific risks and realities of equestrian life.
Through our work with the equestrian community, we’ll continue to support the people, organisations and charities helping to protect riders and promote wellbeing across the sport.