The Isle of Man has successfully completed the Manx leg of the Great Horses for Health Relay 2021, with a helping hand from the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
The British Isles-wide initiative has been developed to celebrate horses and how they supported people during the COVID-19 pandemic, while also raising funds and promoting awareness for:
- Mental health and wellbeing: the huge positive impact from horses
- Safety: horse and other vulnerable road users' safety and awareness
- Welfare: equine rescue and welfare
For the purposes of the relay, the British Isles has been split into 11 regions with the Isle of Man included in the North West England, Isle of Man and Northern Ireland region. The relay baton was transported to Heysham by Lancashire Mounted Police on 1st July, sailed to the Island with the Steam Packet Company on Ben-my-Chree and is returning to Liverpool on fast craft Manannan this afternoon (6th July), to be collected by Merseyside Mounted Police.
The Manx leg of the relay took place on Friday 2nd July, with six rides totalling 59km taking place across the Island throughout the day. There was a great turnout with more than 40 horses and riders, cyclists, walkers and carriages taking part.
Wendy Corlett, Isle of Man Regional Co-ordinator, said: ‘The Great Horses for Health Relay is a wonderful community initiative which we are delighted to get the opportunity to be part of. The Manx equestrian enthusiasts who took part on the day really enjoyed it and there was a great community atmosphere on all the rides.
‘We’d like to say thank you to the Steam Packet Company for supporting the relay and helping to co-ordinate the transportation of the baton at no charge.’
Isle of Man Steam Packet Company Marketing & Online Manager Renee Caley said: ‘Horses clearly have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of many people, which was made particularly clear throughout the pandemic, so it is great to see an initiative which celebrates that. We’re pleased to help co-ordinate the Manx leg of the relay and wish the rest of the event well.’
The Great Horses for Health Relay 2021 continues into the rest of North West followed by Wales, West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, South East England and South West England, ending on the 2nd October. To find out more and support the event, head to: www.horses4health.co.uk/
 Natalie Newman on police horse Hutton, Adam Rice from the IoMSPC, Maureen Green on trainee)
(l to r) Natalie Newman on police horse Hutton, Adam Rice from the IoMSPC, Maureen Green on trainee police horse Fred.
