Trip to Memphis, USA

Cool Ridings x BridgeUP GiddyUP: Leveling Up Together

Earlier this month, Cool Ridings Founder Lydia Heywood and Member Alex Jones travelled to the USA courtesy of the incredible BridgeUP GiddyUP. This community has an enormous amount of shared values and witnessing an organisation devoted to empowering young riders from underrepresented backgrounds through access, mentorship, and opportunity was incredible.

It was an honour to be invited to take part in their LevelUP event. The programme embodies everything Cool Ridings stands for: creating pathways, building confidence and proving that the equestrian world is stronger when it’s more inclusive.

Throughout the trip, Lydia and Alex connected with inspiring young riders, coaches, and community leaders who are breaking down barriers across the American equestrian scene. They shared their own experiences from the UK, exchanged ideas on representation and accessibility, and saw firsthand how BridgeUP GiddyUP is transforming lives.

The event left us energised and full of hope. Seeing such a powerful model for inclusion in action reinforced our shared mission to open more doors for diverse talent in equestrian sport.

A huge thank you to BridgeUP GiddyUP for welcoming Cool Ridings with open arms. We’re excited to keep building bridges across the Atlantic.