British riders tackle desert challenge
27 March 2002
A ride across Jordan in aid of the International League for the Protection of Horses helps raise funds for rescues
A group of 37 riders from Britain have just completed a 125km trip, taking five days to cross from Hummemah to Petra in Jordan.
The group has raised £42,000 for the International League for the Protection of Horses (ILPH), with one rider, bookie’s daughter, Sarah Humphreys, raising £5,345. The minimum required for each rider was £2,000.
The trip was organised through a tour company, with the horses borrowed from local tribes.
Jenny Debbage, one of the ILPH representatives who went along on the trip, said: “It was the journey of a lifetime.
“We went across breathtaking scenery, mountains, sand dunes and valleys, sleeping in genuine Bedouin tents at night.
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“It was a bit like Pony Club for adults, with dancing and singing round the campfire at night. ”
Jenny said it was definitely a ride for experienced riders only.
“One lady was a bit nervous when she saw the fizzy, fine Arab horses and realised the terrain we were going to be riding across. But all ended up going well.
“The horses only know two paces – walk and gallop.”
The ILPH is “desperately seeking” homes for 23 horses, as all its five centres are now full. The league would particularly like to hear from people who can offer a home to a horse as a companionanimal.
For more information contact the ILPH (tel: 0870 873 1927).
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