Last year, Katy Barr, a professional equine groom, had an idea to clip one hundred horses in just 12 hours to set a new world record. Not only was this to be a huge challenge, and a daunting one at that - but it was also to help raise awareness for the mental health charity MIND. So, who could really resist at least trying with that knowledge?
Mental Health Charity MIND
MIND is a charity that is close to Katy’s heart and like many of us have already learnt, the chances are, we will all know someone who has needed help at some point during their lives for their mental health – and if not already, it’s likely it will happen in future.
Depression, anxiety and many other mental health problems are rife within the Equine and Agricultural industries, with suicide at an all-time high in farming too. Of course, this is an issue that causes devastation to the lives of many and it is something that can be alleviated with just a little help and support from someone who cares. Sometimes it’s something as simple as having a conversation with someone who isn’t feeling like their normal self and letting them know that they are loved and cherished.
Katy has set up a “Just Giving” page to tell her story and dedicated this year’s Clipathon to Bradley John, a 14-year old boy who tragically ended his life due to bullying. Bradley was a young and aspiring huntsman who was well known on the hunting field as the whipper-in of the Three Counties Bloodhounds, alongside his father.
With his diagnosis of ADHD, his bullies saw him to be different and subjected him to daily torment. The Clipathon’s aim is to raise money so that MIND can continue their dedicated and important work to ensure that no one has to feel alone.
Perparing For The Clipathon Challenge
With a lot of hard work and determination, Katy managed to organise the Big MIND Clipathon which was held at Addington Manor Equestrian Centre in Buckinghamshire on the 3rdNovember 2018. Katy and her team of 10 grooms got to work at the crack of dawn and soldiered on throughout the day.
Their original target of 100 horses was smashed as they racked up 107 as the day drew to an end. Alongside this horse clipping event, there was a silent auction held on Facebook and a raffle with many amazing equestrian prizes to be won.
Masterclip donated a selection of clippers to this event, including the
All of which were used during the Clipathon and then auctioned off after the event to add more funds to the pot.
Greg from Rural Shots kindly spent the day at Addington to capture the event. It is clear to everyone that many people feel strongly about helping others and the generosity and thoughtfulness of others ensured that this year’s Clipathon ran as smoothly as possible.
To see just how incredibly well the charity event went, check out Greg’s amazing images, all of which can be viewed and purchased here.
How To Donate
The Big MIND Clipathon has a dedicated facebook page, so please do take a look.
It is not too late to donate, so if you haven’t already done so, please pledge any amount to The Big MIND Clipathon.
And finally, if you are someone that is struggling with mental health yourself, take comfort in a few words from MIND:
“We’re Mind, the mental health charity. We believe no one should have to face a mental health problem alone. We’re here for you. Today. Now. Whether you’re stressed, depressed or in crisis. We’ll listen, give support and advice, and fight your corner.”
