ELITE British dressage rider Alice Oppenheimer is trading horse back for leg work this April by running the London Marathon on behalf of the Brooke Animal Hospital.

The UK-based equine charity works around the world, caring for abused and vulnerable working animals.

On February 2, Alice opened the gates of Headmore Stud and Livery in Four Marks to her fellow Brooke runners, for a day of training and fundraising tips.

The day included an expert training session and fundraising advice from Brooke’s corporate and community fundraising manager, Paul Munro, and a tour of Alice’s yard.

She said: “Marathon training can be quite a solitary activity, especially at this time of year when the days are short and the weather is cold.

“As such, it was brilliant to spend time with my fellow Brooke runners and share training and fundraising tips.

“Having visited Brooke’s work in India in 2015, I’ve seen just how much of a difference donations can make, so I can’t wait to see how much us runners can raise towards hard working horses, donkeys and mules around the world.”

Alice has supported Brookes for many years and most recently put her name to campaigns including MyHackathon and Every Horse Remembered.

She has boosted her fundraising effort by hosting giveaways on her Facebook page, giving followers the opportunity to win prizes, including a meet-and-greet with fellow dressage rider Charlotte Dujardin, and a Flying Changes bespoke jacket.

To be in with a chance of winning, followers need to donate at https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alice-oppenheimer and visit her Facebook page.