Madeleine Bunbury, from the South and West Wiltshire Hunt, has been selected to compete in the Markel Magnolia Cup at Goodwood, a high-profile charity horse race raising funds for Project Lehar, an initiative supported by King’s Trust International.
Ms Bunbury said: “It’s a huge honour to be asked to take part in this event alongside so many talented women, especially at Goodwood, the home of horseracing.
“To be honest I am quite terrified as riding a racehorse is so different from anything I’ve done before.
“I have ridden most of my life but this will be a huge challenge.”
The Markel Magnolia Cup is a flat race spanning five-and-a-half furlongs and features 12 amateur jockeys.
Since its inception in 2011, it has raised more than £2.7 million for charitable causes.
All participants must pass fitness assessments at the British Racing School and complete a demanding 12-month training programme.
Ms Bunbury is riding in support of Project Lehar, which operates in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, two of India’s most disadvantaged regions.
The project provides vocational training and skills development for young women who have left school, offering them a second chance at education and employment.
She said: “The chosen charity is one that is especially close to my heart and if we can hit the fundraising target it will make an incredible difference to women in some of the most deprived areas of the world.
“With practical, bespoke training they can go on to achieve financial independence and have successful careers, something which would be virtually impossible without the support of Project Lehar.”
Ms Bunbury has received widespread encouragement from her local community, including from Archie Clifton-Brown, joint master of the South and West Wiltshire Hunt.
He said: “The Wiltshire hunting community is a close-knit group and their efforts for various charities throughout the year are phenomenal.
“We are delighted to support Madeleine as she raises funds for this incredibly worthwhile charity.
“It is no mean feat to gallop a racehorse at Goodwood.
“I am incredibly impressed by her commitment and can’t wait to watch the race.”
The South and West Wiltshire Hunt is a member of the British Hound Sports Association (BHSA) and practices trail hunting, which involves following a pre-laid scent rather than pursuing live quarry.
The trail hunting community collectively raises tens of thousands of pounds for charity each year.
In a recent six-month period, BHSA-registered hunts raised £460,000 for 92 different charities.
Ms Bunbury also expressed her gratitude for the wider support she has received.
She said: “I’m incredibly grateful to all those who are supporting me from the South and West Wilts Hunt community and to the amazing trainer Richard Hannon who is lending me a superb horse.”
The Markel Magnolia Cup will be held on July 31 during the Qatar Goodwood Festival, presented by Visit Qatar.
To support Ms Bunbury’s fundraising effort, donations can be made via her JustGiving page.