The Isle of Man leg of the UK-wide Great Horses for Health Relay took place on Friday with more than 40 horses and riders, cyclists, walkers and carriages taking part.

The 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 and the huge positive impact from horses, vulnerable road users’ safety, and equine welfare.

The relay baton had been delivered to the Ben my Chree in Heysham the previous day by Lancashire Mounted Police.

When the Ben arrived in Douglas that evening, the baton was handed over by Vicki Winn of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company to young rider Brian Hurst and his pony Diva.

Lines from Ronald Duncan’s famous poem, The Horse, were contained inside the baton and read out by Brian. He was accompanied by Lou Amaral and her mare Sassy.

The horses had been given special permission to be on Victoria Pier by the Department of Infrastructure’s port security team.

The following morning riders in the first leg of the relay set off from the Point of Ayre.

In total six legs were completed, totalling 59km and ending at The Sound.

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.’

Steam Packet marketing and 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 relay continues into the rest of north west of England followed by Wales, the West Midlands, East Midlands, east of England, south east England and south west England, ending on October 2.