Paris Olympic bronze medallist Becky Moody has demonstrated her commitment to making equestrianism more inclusive and accessible, hosting inspirational coaching sessions that brought together riders from underrepresented backgrounds with mental health advocates at an event organised by London International Horse Show.
The Show Ambassador held two sessions and interviews on 15 October 2025 with diversity in sport organisation Cool Ridings and the Show’s Official Charity, Sport in Mind, creating a powerful platform for discussion around inclusion and wellbeing in the equestrian community.
Olympic Star Shares Expertise with Cool Ridings
Cool Ridings, founded by event rider Lydia Heywood who rides under the Jamaican flag, is dedicated to supporting riders from underrepresented backgrounds across all disciplines. The organisation creates community and provides meaningful support to help riders access the wide range of opportunities available in the equestrian world.
Becky Moody, who won team bronze on her Olympic debut in Paris 2024 alongside Carl Hester MBE and Charlotte Fry, provided a once-in-a-lifetime coaching session for Cool Ridings participants. Some riders brought their own horses whilst others used horses kindly provided by Trent Park Equestrian Centre.
The current World No.4 guided participants through fundamental elements of successful dressage tests, focusing on transitions, rhythm, straightness and balance. She shared valuable advice whilst offering personalised insights and improvements for each rider and their horse.
Personal Stories and Mental Health Focus
Throughout the day, participants shared their stories with Sport in Mind, the UK’s leading mental health sports charity. The organisation uses physical activity and sport to transform lives and promote mental wellbeing, providing vital work with the NHS to support, encourage and rehabilitate patients struggling with poor mental health.
In 2025, the charity branched out into the equestrian sector, and the session provided organisers with fascinating insight into the long-term benefits of equestrianism to mental health and the strides the equestrian sector is taking in improving diversity and inclusion.
Sport in Mind’s Spokesperson, Aysha Naziri, addressed attendees, highlighting the charity’s work and the transformative benefits of sport for mental health. “Equestrianism offers a particularly powerful connection between human and animal. Spending time with horses can be incredibly grounding, promoting mindfulness, responsibility, empathy and calm,” she said.
Moody Reflects on Riding and Wellbeing
Speaking about how riding has supported her own mental health, Moody reflected on the importance of speaking openly about mental wellbeing and the impact of charities such as Sport in Mind.
“As a sport, riding requires such a dedicated, broad team to support one and other in order to succeed. It is the team that have been so fundamental in supporting my wellbeing and have helped me with the tricky times as well as the good times. Riding has provided me with a sense of purpose, empowering me to keep going and keep improving. As for the horses themselves, when I have had a tough time, I’ll go and spend time with them, I’ll go and sit with (Jager)Bomb,” she said.
Participants Praise the Experience
Cool Ridings founder Lydia Heywood expressed her gratitude for the opportunity: “A lot of us have grown up watching the 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, 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.”
London International Horse Show 2025
The London International Horse Show takes place from 18-22 December 2025 at Excel London in the heart of the capital’s Docklands. The Show is home to the highest level of indoor equestrian sport in the UK, including the UK’s three FEI World Cup™ qualifiers in Jumping, Dressage and Driving.
Each year the Show aims to partner with organisations that uplift equestrians from all backgrounds and skill levels, recognising that the champions of the future come from a multitude of environments.
Moody made her London International Horse Show debut with her homebred star Jagerbomb in 2023, achieving personal bests to finish third in both the CDI-W Grand Prix (75.087%) and CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle to Music (83.675%). In 2024, the pair returned to take victory in the CDI-W Grand Prix with a score of 76.696%.
Supporting the Cause
London International Horse Show encourages visitors to support Sport in Mind by purchasing tickets for designated charity performances, where a portion of all sales will directly benefit the charity. Cool Ridings will have the opportunity to connect with Show goers on the Talk Horse Live Zone to showcase the initiative’s work.
The Show is proud to help both organisations expand their communities and continue their vital work promoting inclusion and wellbeing through sport.
To find out more about London International Horse Show or to book tickets, visit londonhorseshow.com/tickets.
