BHS Scotland is excited ... no make that way, way more than excited – we are exhilarated and ecstatic even to be working with generous and beautiful venues across Scotland to bring you as broad a suite of Ride Out UK (ROUK) rides that we can manage.

Putting in an appearance will be some established favourites, like Culzean and Barskimming; some nearly new, like Blackford and Culbin; and some totally new, like an exciting stunning venue in Argyll and something in our national parks.

All dates can be found on our website, bu for now save the date for our first ride at Culbin on May 16. Bookings opened this week and all fund raised will go towards improving multi-use access in Scotland.

As Chaka Khan and Whitney Houston sang: 'I’m every woman, it’s all on me' and there is actually an organisation called ‘everywoman’ championing the advancement of women in business and engaging and inspiring the next generation of female leaders.

Rachael Blackmore truly was ‘everywoman’ last Saturday, when she wrote another chapter in the Grand National’s 182-year history by becoming the first woman to win the sport of racing’s most famous and gruelling race.

But Rachael was quick to brush away gender-related plaudits. “I don’t feel male or female right now,” she said. “I don’t even feel human! This is unbelievable.”

And in a sport where women compete on a level playing field with men, what Rachael has done for every woman with her many firsts – first woman to be crowned top jockey, first woman to win a champion hurdle, first woman to win the Ryanair Chase – has all been achieved with enormous humility, making Rachael and Minella Times even more special. Huge congratulations to Rachael and the JP McManus/Henry de Bromhead team.

We all need to be every rider this summer – and we all need plenty of humility and the quality of being humble knowing we are each a cog in a large wheel.

The pressure on those taking access in and around farmland is truly immense because currently it feels as though our right of responsible access is on a cliff edge and under close scrutiny, given the pressure the countryside is under and sadly, just too many examples of antisocial behaviour.

In 2021, our industry stepped up and we at BHS received no concerns about horse riders behaving irresponsibly. When it comes to setting an example – small things count.

So, at a time when we as an industry need to extend the wholesome world of the horse to the whole of society; and the world never needed that more. The best thing we can do is be pleasant and welcoming to everyone we meet when we are out riding.

A smile and a hello go a long way to making all riders great ambassadors, we don’t want to be remote and aloof. If cars slow down, always acknowledge that courtesy. Farmers are going mad with lambing, calving, and sowing so make an extra effort to stay out of the way, or get out of the way as quickly and quietly as possible.

Community has never been more important and the rural community where most horses and ponies tend to stay and operate is on the cusp of huge opportunity, as people realise they can work from home, broadband hopefully improves and the obvious well being advantages of being in the countryside are realised.

We live in amazing times and there has never been a better time to channel your inner Rachael and be the change you want to see for community and for equestrianism.