British Equestrian Federation Fund partners Countryside Alliance at Cheltenham

The annual Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse, taking place on Friday 15 November, will this year see the British Equestrian Federation Fund join the Countryside Alliance as a fundraising partner.

Funds raised on the day will be split between the Countryside Alliance, who organise Countryside Day, and the British Equestrian Federation Fund, which supplements the funding the World Class Programme receives from The National Lottery through UK Sport to ensure we’re able to meet the considerable costs of preparing and sending athletes, horses and their support teams, including the all-important reserve combinations, to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

A fundraising silent auction of money-can’t-buy items and experiences is currently live. Lots up for grabs include yard visits with Carl Hester and Charlotte Dujardin, Laura Tomlinson, and William and Alice Fox-Pitt, and a private lesson with Badminton winner Piggy French. You could also go behind the scenes at an international event with Team GBR Eventing Performance Manager Richard Waygood, explore the Burghley Horse Trials cross-country course with Captain Mark Phillips, or enjoy a morning with one of racing’s most high-profile trainers.

There will also be a live auction of exclusive lots during the Countryside Day lunch on Friday 15 November. One exciting lot will see the winner cooked dinner by William and Alice Fox-Pitt, Ben Maher and Spencer Wilton. The lunch is sold out, but bids can still be accepted via the telephone or by proxy.

In addition to the auction and a packed race card, there will be host of equestrian and countryside-themed activities taking place throughout the day.

Some of Team GBR’s greatest equine stars will be on parade, in the form of Charlotte Dujardin’s double gold medal-winning partner Valegro, Nick Skelton’s double gold medal-winning partner Big Star, and William Fox Pitt’s Rio ride and Badminton winner Chilli Morning.

A team gold and individual bronze medallist at the London 2012 Olympic Games, Laura Tomlinson (nee Bechtolsheimer) will be giving a dressage lesson to racing legend Sir Anthony (AP) McCoy. This will take place at 11:45 in the Parade Ring before racing commences.

For more information or to book tickets for Countryside Day, click here.