An all female group of 11 intrepid trekkers returned as African Queens after an intense five days and six nights in the Kenyan wilderness in aid of the Racing Welfare charity in September.
The group travelled more than 100 miles on horseback on their safari, camping along the way in basic tents amongst the most dangerous game in Africa.
They came face to face with a number of challenges including one enormous bull elephant that literally stopped them in their tracks as he appeared before them threatening to charge.
They also galloped alongside a herd of zebra and gazelle as well as spotting buffalo, rhino, giraffe and ostriches and spending one night surrounded by inquisitive and very noisy baboons. The group collected sponsorship for Racing Welfare, the Charity that supports the unsung workforce that from the backbone of the horseracing industry and hope to raise between £5,000 and £10,000.
It was a fabulous opportunity for us to experience the true Kenyan way of life as we made our way through small remote villages and farms sleeping amongst the animals under the stars, said Karen Parris, head girl to Newmarket trainer Willie Jarvis.
The group was made up of:
- Jo Ewell, based on The Isle of Wight rehabilitating ex National Hunt horses from trainer David Gandolfo,
- Caroline Goatley, former lass for trainer Brian Stewart-Brown now working for Newbury veterinary practice OGorman, Slater and Main
- Alex Grant, student studying equine sports performance at Plumpton College, also works for a show jumping yard
- Lynn Grist, formerly head girl for a private hunter yard
- Wendy Guillambert, Newmarket-based mother of jockey JP Guillambert and Francoise
- Francoise Guillambert, fundraising executive for Racing Welfare and amateur jockey
- Liz Heggs, Hampshire based rider
- Laura Maclucas, former lass for trained Pat Murphy now a police constable
- Karen Parris, former point to point rider now head girl for trainer Willie Jarvis
- Sarah Richmond, Newmarket based accountant and part time rider for trainer Vince Smith
- Helen Underwood, Chichester based endurance and showing rider.
Anyone who would like to make a donation can do so via the website at www.racingwelfare.co.uk or at www.justgiving.com/racingwelfare.
Alternatively, donations can be made by calling Claudia (tel: 01638 565241).
