James’ Support Group and Ewen’s Room

From 18-24th May, 2024, we journeyed 80 miles across the western Highlands in support of two suicide prevention charities in Scotland. 14 participants and 4 horses joined the 6-day journey. All funds raised support the charities’ mission in mental health education in primary schools, group sessions across the Highlands, and 24-hour call service for those in need of support.

We left the shores of Loch Tay and made our way north to the beautiful Corrour station house. There we were joined by 14 participants. We camped out on Corrour estate and then headed into the Highlands. The week that ensued was one of the most challenging, remote, wild and unique journeys The Big Hoof have encountered. We rode along the side of lochs, into Highland villages, through deep-green glens, over the magical Glenfinnan pass and into Strontian. On our last day we were met by 60 primary school children and were piped over the finish line! That night we had a wee party with a Highland band, beer and talks and films from the charities.

“Participation in the Highland Journey was humbling - not only to be one of the charities chosen but to be surrounded by the lovely people taking part. On the first day, from Corrour, we stopped for lunch by the water - watching the horses in the waves and having one of them walk up to me for a cuddle was just wonderful. A memory that will stay with me for a long time. I am very grateful for my own personal experience but also on behalf of our charity which will be able to continue thanks to the effort of Louis, Kiki and everyone else who was involved at The Big Hoof.” Patrick Mullery, Founder of James’ Support Group.

Funds raised: £7,500

Venture Trust

On the 3rd July, 2023, we started our first FareWays journey, from St. Andrews to the island of Iona to raise funds for Venture Trust. Venture trust supports adults and young people who are struggling with involvement in Scotland's criminal justice system, long term unemployment and mental health and wellbeing issues. The Big Hoof particularly raised funds for their innovative Outdoor Therapy Programme, which aims to support people by combining the full range of benefits from time in nature and the outdoors with professional therapy to improve mental health and wellbeing.  

The 12 day ride saw over 40 people join, with ages ranging from 8 to 69. We were honoured and delighted to welcome a Venture Trust delegation of 8 people on the ride itself, enabling us to experience the unifying and inspiriting powers of the horses together. With thanks to The Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust & Gravis Advisory Ltd. 

“The Big Hoof aligns perfectly with our charitable objectives and their Pilgrim Fundraising event was an exceptional way to demonstrate just that. But this was more than a fundraiser, this was an opportunity for a group of our past participants to join the big Hoof Team for a day as they travelled from Perth, heading north. It was beautiful to see our participants riding the horses, talking with the team, generally enjoying the freedom of the great outdoors, and sharing their experiences of Venture Trust.” Gavin Sinclair, Head of Fundraising, Venture Trust

Funds raised: £5,500

The British Horse Society

After completing our 1147 mile ride down the length of the UK, we held a paid online talk to share our routes, our tips on horsemanship and the highs and lows of our journey, in a hope to inspire others to get out with their horse and fundraise for a cause close to their heart.

 “What you are doing is incredible and doing it with your beautiful horse is mind blowing. The planning ... fitness and days ahead is going to be awesome, well done, keep going.” Josephine Mcewan

“What an inspiring & amazing act of kindness & generosity! And what a beautiful horse.” Jasmine

Funds raised: £4,000

The Museum of the Mind

In 2022 Dutch rider and filmmaker Kiki Ho joined The Big Hoof ride across Europe. She aimed to fight against the stigma that surrounds mental health and to celebrate neurological diversity. Kiki fundraised for The Museum of the Mind, an organisation has been awarded European museum of the year 2022.

“We would like to thank Kiki very much for sharing her beautiful, vulnerable and impressive story, but certainly also for the fantastic donation she was able to collect for our museum. Together we decided to use this donation for our youth education program in memory of her extraordinarily talented sister.

”As a foundation, we believe in a society in which, when your mind works differently than normal, you are heard and seen and can participate on the basis of equality. Our museums give a voice to people in society who were previously not represented in the cultural landscape.” Museum of the Mind

Funds raised: £8,500

Social Impact

• Over 400 people have participated in our rides from 6 different countries. Our rides are open to individuals and groups from all backgrounds - ages have have ranged from 7-70 years old. We encourage and facilitate those with divergencies and disabilities.

• Our stories and message has been covered by press through TV, radio, magazine and newspaper in 6 different countries across the world: USA, France, Spain, Italy, Holland, Scotland and England.

• On average we reach 15k accounts on social media each month, sharing our stories, photographs and mission for adventure and better mental health.

Direct Impact

• Raised over £90,000 for UK and European charities focussing on mental health, wellbeing, refugee welfare and life-threatening illnesses.

• Travelled over 5,000km through 5 different countries, spreading our message of hope and wellbeing.

• Created the first conclusive riding trail across the Ligurian Alps.

• Created the first conclusive riding trail from Italy to Spain.

• As a member of the international Long Rider’s Guild, our guides and journals have provided the information required for people all over the world to make a life changing journey for themselves.

Read it to believe it… words from our participants

Radio & podcast

‘Highlands with horses’ BBC Radio 4 Open Country episode with Mary-Ann Ochota

‘The Everyday Adventure Podcast’ with Nicki Bass

‘Running on Joy Podcast’ with Francesca Godwin

‘Our conversation traverses the moving backstory behind his first adventures; becoming an architect of your own reality; necessity of action; old tales in a new language; the humanising nature of suffering; creative connection through movement l; creating space for others; the humbling relationship between man and horse, and what it means to be a pilgrim. Following our conversation I felt excited and inspired for the future of The Big Hoof and the platform that Louis is creating to discover the vulnerable places within ourselves from where true strength emerges.’