Join equestrian stars in #jocksinsocks campaign

Famous names from the equestrian world have been getting fancy with their footwear for Horse & Hound’s charity of the year, the Injured Jockeys Fund (IJF).

Champion trainers, jockeys, television presenters, horses and dogs have so far backed the IJF and H&H’s #jocksinsocks campaign — and there is still time to take part.

“The #jocksinsocks campaign has got off to a great start with the likes of AP McCoy, Clare Balding and Victoria Pendleton joining in,” said a spokesman for the charity.

“We look forward to some more great pictures in the next few weeks and thank everyone for supporting us in this way.”

The idea is to take a picture of yourself (or your four-legged friend) wearing a pair of socks in an unconventional manner.

Then share it on social media, nominate your friends and donate £5 by texting IJF to 70800.

On Twitter, write: “I have supported #jocksinsocks @ijf_official with £5 by texting IJF to 70800. I nominate @…”. On Facebook, it’s: “I have supported #jocksinsocks for the Injured Jockeys Fund with £5 by texting IJF to 70800. I nominate…”

Jonjo O’Neill and Greater Manchester Police’s mounted section are among the others who have shown their support for the initiative.

H&H content director Sarah Jenkins said: “We all remember the success of the ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’ and similarly inspired social media campaigns that encourage users to have a bit of fun while raising money for the charities that mean most to them.

Related articles:

• Why your horse should be wearing socks this season
• Jockeys to go head-to-head over showjumps at Olympia
• Revealed: name and first images of new injured jockeys centre

“Now it’s equestrians’ turn to do our bit for the IJF and all those they support. Horse & Hound’s decision to select the IJF as our charity of the year in 2016 was driven by an understanding of the excellent work they do as well as the benefits witnessed by riders at all levels.

“With some of the world’s best riders suffering serious accidents in 2015, we were given a stark reminder that however accomplished the rider, the risk of injury is high and the IJF is there doing an incredible job.”

Lucy Elder

H&H senior news writer

Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.