The equestrian community is one that is filled with many people who share one passion. That is a love of horses.
From the riders to grooms, event organizers and of course the horses themselves, there is no denying that so much goes into making this group of people what it is. Often forgotten however, are the people who provide so much support and give the riders a horse to sit on. The Event Horse Owners Association (EHOA) was founded in 1998 by Judy Skinner and it has been providing support for event horse owners ever since.
The EHOA marquee at a recent event
The EHOA is the 'Voice of the Owners' in the United Kingdom and its aim is to provide a space for owners to be recognized as one of the main constituents of eventing.
Sarah Byrne from the EHOA says that the organization is the only one of its kind in the eventing world to provide support to owners. "The Event Horse Owners Association's main aim is for owners to be recognised with riders, organisers, British Eventing and the media within our sport," she says.
The organization provides training and social events as well as having marquees at some of the UK’s biggest events. The aim is to make eventing more fun for owners.
“It’s a long day and the more fun you can make it the better,” Sarah says. The functions provide a place for members to enjoy the event with CCTV coverage, refreshments and breakfasts. The association works alongside British Eventing and has a place on the BE Sports Committee.
Members enjoying the perks of event functions
To become a member of the EHOA you do not have to own a horse or even ride. However the association does provide training days across the UK with top trainers. Membership starts from £22.50 and includes vouchers for training and Shearwater Insurance – one of the EHOA’s main sponsors. The association is particularly targeting grassroots riders, providing plenty of support and training for those up and coming combinations.
More information about the association can be found at www.ehoa.org.
Photos courtesy of Caroline Orme
