Men get their riding kit off to raise money

There are few things in life that make a horsey woman (or man) much happier than a beautiful picture of a horse. But it seems that some women (and men) are rather partial to a naked butt or two, thrown in for good measure – as this popular calandar proves.

Brains and body

Since Hunks & Horses was launched in 2014 it has donated almost £20,000 to Testicular Cancer Research UK andWorldHorseWelfare, and it hopes to raise another £20,000 this year.

The brains and body behind the calendar are Kim Smith and her fiancé Aaron Crawford. Aaronwho was diagnosed with testicular cancer in June 2009, aged just 26.

Luckily he spotted the lump early, which meant it was removed with no further major treatment required. Following regular check-ups at Castle Hill Hospital in East Yorkshire he has now be given the all clear.

‘Dreadful state’

The calendars feature Aaron and his friends in a variety of every-day equestrian poses – the only difference is they seem to have forgotten to put on their jods. Or boots. Or top. They’re not even wearing a hat, which clearly contravenes Pony Club rules – but they are raising a lot of money for charity in the process.

Kim was inspired to help World Horse Welfare by a horse called Melody who she rehomed as a one-year-old. When Melody arrived at the charity in 2000 she was an unborn foal and her mother Maude was in a ‘dreadful state’. Unfortunately Maude died shortly after giving birth, but her foal went on to become a ‘beautiful, healthy horse’.

‘Close to our hearts’

“We had the pleasure of rehoming Melody for several years for backing and training before she returned to World Horse Welfare to find an active competition home, so these charities are very close to our hearts,” Kim told H&C.

The 2016 calendars are available to pre-order online. They cost £5 and all proceeds go to their chosen charities.