The event director of Bramham Horse Trials, Deborah Homewood, is to set off on 18 October on a gruelling 200km ride in India to raise money for overseas equine welfare charity, the Brooke.
The 10-day journey, which will be with a group of 29 others from the UK, will involve riding for up to eight hours a day and camping every night in Bedouin tents in the Rajasthan countryside of Northern India.
“It will be one of the toughest things I have ever done, and I’m expecting to see some distressing scenes,” said Debora, “but knowing I’m making a difference to thousands of working horses will make my efforts worth it.”
Debora said she was hoping to raise at least £3000 to fund veterinary treatment and educational programmes in New Delhi.
“Some of the horses and donkeys who carry heavy loads at the brick works in Delhi suffer appalling treatment,” said Deborah, “so we want to educate the Indians about how to look after them better.”
Deborah and her group — whom she is yet to meet — will be riding local Indian Marwari horses that can manage on small rations and don’t require shoes.
“They’re fantastic horses with angled shoulders to help them deal with boggy terrain. Thankfully they’re very sturdy and comfortable to ride,” said Deborah.
If you would like to sponsor Debora [tel 077383 74914].
