Charities we support
In October 2021 we rode 100 miles from Longrock Beach, Cornwall, to the Duke of York pub in Devon, to raise vital funds for the Turquoise Mountain Foundation. This 5 day ride was joined by more than 30 other participants. Founded in 2006 by His Majesty King Charles II, TMF has now built over 50 small businesses in Afghanistan, Myanmar, and the Middle East, supporting a new generation of artisan entrepreneurs who will not only drive economic development, but also preserve their unique cultures and tradition
“Over the last year, your emergency support allowed us to continue our programs (with minimal disruption) and serve our artisan communities at their time of greatest need. Today, we are continuing our work running the Institute for Afghan Arts and Architecture, three primary schools, a community health clinic, and livelihood programmes supporting thousands of artisans across the country.” Percy Stubbs, Director of Advancement, Turquoise Mountain Foundation
On the 3rd July, 2023, we started our first FareWays journey, from St. Andrews to the island of Iona to raise funds for Venture Trust. Venture trust supports adults and young people who are struggling with involvement in Scotland's criminal justice system, long term unemployment and mental health and wellbeing issues. The Big Hoof particularly raised funds for their innovative Outdoor Therapy Programme, which aims to support people by combining the full range of benefits from time in nature and the outdoors with professional therapy to improve mental health and wellbeing.
The 12 day ride saw over 40 people join, with ages ranging from 8 to 69. We were honoured and delighted to welcome a Venture Trust delegation of 8 people on the ride itself, enabling us to experience the unifying and inspiriting powers of the horses together. With thanks to The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust & Gravis Advisory Ltd.
“The Big Hoof aligns perfectly with our charitable objectives and their Pilgrim Fundraising event was an exceptional way to demonstrate just that. But this was more than a fundraiser, this was an opportunity for a group of our past participants to join the big Hoof Team for a day as they travelled from Perth, heading north. It was beautiful to see our participants riding the horses, talking with the team, generally enjoying the freedom of the great outdoors, and sharing their experiences of Venture Trust.” Gavin Sinclair, Head of Fundraising, Venture Trust
In 2020 we rode 1147 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End to raise funds and awareness for the CF Trust. This ride was made in memory of Leo van Heyningen, who died aged 26, and formed the beginning of The Big Hoof journey. This ride took 57 days. The CF Trust is a UK-based national charity founded in 1964, dealing with all aspects of cystic fibrosis. It funds research to treat and cure CF and aims to ensure appropriate clinical care and support for people with cystic fibrosis.
“Keep going , your work is invaluable . From a nurse working in respiratory.” Lucy
“I have CF so I want to thank you from the CF community! Happy and safe riding!” Meg
“It’s simply staggering what you are doing for people suffering from CF! Well done and keep going!” Camilla
“I heard you on the Zoe Ball breakfast show. I’m a CF mummy to a beautiful 5 year old boy. A thousand thank yous for all you are doing! Good luck!” Evonne
In 2022 we rode 2789km from Siena, Italy to Cape Finisterre, Spain to raise awareness for mental health sufferers around the world, and, in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, to raise funds for refugees and their trauma. Founded in 2016 as the Refugee Trauma Initiative, Amna specialises in supporting the psychosocial wellbeing of refugees and other displaced communities.
“With the help of your funds raised we launched our programme in early March 2022 comprising: Introductory Training to set up safe spaces – online 3 hour introductory sessions (already running as part of our Afghanistan response) set out informing principles and basic practice when establishing a safe space for refugees. Selfcare for frontline staff – frontline staff come together to share their experiences and look after their own mental health, so they are better able to help others. Strengthening existing safe spaces and services – organisations already providing emergency responses have an opportunity to strengthen their programmes by integrating trauma informed approaches into ongoing work supported by small grants to facilitate implementation.” Amna.
After completing our 1147 mile ride down the length of the UK, we held a paid online talk to share our routes, our tips on horsemanship and the highs and lows of our journey, in a hope to inspire others to get out with their horse and fundraise for a cause close to their heart.
“What you are doing is incredible and doing it with your beautiful horse is mind blowing. The planning ... fitness and days ahead is going to be awesome, well done, keep going.” Josephine Mcewan
“What an inspiring & amazing act of kindness & generosity! And what a beautiful horse.” Jasmine
In 2022 Dutch rider and filmmaker Kiki Ho joined The Big Hoof ride across Europe. She aimed to fight against the stigma that surrounds mental health and to celebrate neurological diversity. Kiki fundraised for The Museum of the Mind, an organisation has been awarded European museum of the year 2022.
“We would like to thank Kiki very much for sharing her beautiful, vulnerable and impressive story, but certainly also for the fantastic donation she was able to collect for our museum. Together we decided to use this donation for our youth education program in memory of her extraordinarily talented sister.
”As a foundation, we believe in a society in which, when your mind works differently than normal, you are heard and seen and can participate on the basis of equality. Our museums give a voice to people in society who were previously not represented in the cultural landscape.” Museum of the Mind
Direct Impact
Raised over £80,000 for UK and European charities focussing on mental health, wellbeing, refugee welfare and life-threatening illnesses.
Travelled over 4.800km through 5 different countries, spreading our message of hope and wellbeing.
Created the first conclusive riding trail across the Ligurian Alps.
Created the first conclusive riding trail from Italy to Spain.
As a member of the international Long Rider’s Guild, our guides and journals have provided the information required for people all over the world to make a life changing journey for themselves.
Social Impact
Over 550 people have participated in our rides from 6 different countries. Our rides are open to individuals and groups from all backgrounds - ages have have ranged from 8-69 years old. We encourage and facilitate those with divergencies and disabilities.
Our stories and message has been covered by press through TV, radio, magazine and newspaper in 6 different countries across the world: USA, France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Scotland and England.
On average we reach 15k accounts on social media each month, sharing our stories, photographs and mission for adventure and better mental health.
Read it to believe it… words from our participants
Radio & podcast
‘Highlands with horses’ BBC Radio 4 Open Country episode with Mary-Ann Ochota
‘The Everyday Adventure Podcast’ with Nicki Bass
‘Running on Joy Podcast’ with Francesca Godwin
‘Our conversation traverses the moving backstory behind his first adventures; becoming an architect of your own reality; necessity of action; old tales in a new language; the humanising nature of suffering; creative connection through movement l; creating space for others; the humbling relationship between man and horse, and what it means to be a pilgrim. Following our conversation I felt excited and inspired for the future of The Big Hoof and the platform that Louis is creating to discover the vulnerable places within ourselves from where true strength emerges.’
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Weekblad Voor Ouder Amstel Magazine, Holland
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'The Best of Scotland' The Herald Newspaper, UK
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The Times Newspaper, UK
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CNN Online, USA
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U24 Online News, Ukraine
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The Independent Newspaper, UK
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The Scottish Field Magazine, UK
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Cavallo Magazine, Italy
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Cheval Magazine, France
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Horse and Hound Magazine, UK
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International Federation for Equestrian Sports Magazine, International
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The Dunfermline Press Newspaper, Scotland
