2019’s ‘MyHackathon’ Launched

2019’s ‘MyHackathon’ Launched 

Equine charity, The Brooke, have announced the launch of this year’s ’MyHackathon’ fundraising challenge.

The fundraising challenge runs from March until the end of October, calling on the worldwide equestrian community to hack 100 miles in 100 days and raise £100 sponsorship money. All the money raised goes toward The Brooke’s mission; to improve the lives of working horses, donkeys, mules, and their owners, in developing countries.

Prolific names supporting the challenge include Olympic Dressage rider, Charlotte Dujardin, and Performance Manager of British Eventing and 4* eventer, Richard Waygood. Popular social media stars, Esme Higgs of Youtube channel ‘This Esme’, and Claire Harker of the Intsagram account @life_through_the_ears, are also showing their support for the fundraising challenge.

Not only does the challenge raise funds for equine welfare action it also provides the chance for riders to become part of a community. Rider’s can join The Brooke’s official ‘MyHackathon’ Facebook group, where they can share their progress and tips with others taking part. Additionally, The Brooke selects a “Hacker of the Month’ every month, from the Facebook group, based on fundraising efforts. Each month’s winner will receive a Brooke-branded tote bag, pin badge, pen, t-shirt and numnah.

‘MyHackthon’ is also extremely beneficial for your horse. Charlotte Durjardin shared the benefits she experiences from including hacking in her Olympic-riding routine, explaining;

Hacking is really important for horses and riders – it keeps us both fit, and for me, it’s nice to have some chilled out time with the horses outside of the training arena. I love hacking out into the fields and having a big open space to ride in.”

The challenge is free to enter and can be completed on your own or as part of a team. Hackers are able to reach the 100 mile target by 31 October by riding just 3-4 miles per week. The Brooke are also providing riders with practical fundraising advice to give sponsorship efforts a head start. Once the challenge is completed, all participants receive a limited edition certificate and rosette to thank them for their support.

Money that is raised by the challenge will go towards supporting The Brooke’s work in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. The Brooke could provide a community with a permanent water trough for animals or train two farriers to trim and balance hooves, with each £100 raised. Support for women’s groups that give female owners skills benefitting their animals life, and consequently their own, could also be provided for just £100.

To get involved, sign up here.