‘Completely awesome’: Sara Cox praises Dartmoor Derby
DJ Sara Cox was among the 40 riders to complete the first Dartmoor Derby.
Following a successful pilot last year, the event returned for its first official running on 23-26 September.
Riders, including a team from the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, tackled a 50-mile route in guided groups, supported by ground crews over the three days.
“It was completely awesome; I loved it,” said Sara, who posted many photos and videos of the ride on her social media accounts.
Here we go! @DartmoorDerby @LibertyTrails pic.twitter.com/MMennW51osHere we go! @DartmoorDerby @LibertyTrails pic.twitter.com/MMennW51os— sara cox (@sarajcox) September 25, 2016— sara cox (@sarajcox) September 25, 2016
The ride also raised £1,887 for the British Horse Society.
“We’ve been so pleased that this new riding adventure has attracted interest from around the world,” said founder Elaine Prior.
“So many people relish the chance to properly explore on horseback this iconic natural wonder in a safe, guided and very comfortable way.
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“We are thrilled that several riders are already planning to return next year and look forward to developing this event further in 2017.”
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The 2015 event attracted participants from as far as Austria, Essex and the Isle of Wight.
Half brought their own horses, while the rest rented experienced local equines through the organisers.
What a spectacular day on #Dartmoor it was yesterday. We couldn't have asked for more #dartmoorderby #day2 @molevalley @PollyABaldwin pic.twitter.com/pdxXekZ4IjWhat a spectacular day on #Dartmoor it was yesterday. We couldn't have asked for more #dartmoorderby #day2 @molevalley @PollyABaldwin pic.twitter.com/pdxXekZ4Ij— Dartmoor Derby (@DartmoorDerby) September 26, 2016— Dartmoor Derby (@DartmoorDerby) September 26, 2016
“This was the experience of a lifetime. What a brilliant three days I had riding my horse across beautiful and austere Dartmoor,” said Millie Foote, from Oxfordshire.
‘Sheer heaven’
H&H hunting editor Polly Portwin was among those to take part in the 2015 pilot ride.
“There is no doubt about it, the views on Dartmoor are just breathtaking and really must be seen to be believed,” she said.
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Lucy is an experienced news journalist, reporter and presenter. Since joining the Horse & Hound team in 2015, Lucy has reported from major global sporting events including the Tokyo Paralympic Games and multiple European Championships, as well as Badminton, Burghley and London, to name a few. She has covered current affairs and sports news across the full spectrum of equestrian disciplines and racing, as well as human and equine welfare, industry news and court cases.