Mary King welcomes launch of 100km Dartmoor Derby
Devon eventer Mary King is “excited” about a new 100km trail ride across Dartmoor.
The Dartmoor Derby, taking place next September, is inspired by the Mongol Derby, but will be less gruelling.
It will take in open moorland, gorse, forests and ancient stone circles.
Riders can take their own horses or ride borrowed mounts on the three- to five-day ride.
“We’ve had guests from all over the world riding with us and the feedback we’ve had is that Dartmoor is fantastic,” Elaine Prior of organisers Liberty Trails told H&H.
“There are vast areas that can only be seen if you are a keen rider.”
While the ride is long-distance — participants will cover at least 100km in total — it is not a race and combinations do not need endurance experience.
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A pilot event over 80km will take place later this month (24-28 September) before next year’s full ride, with 15 places open to the public.
There will be additional places for celebrities, including DJ Sara Cox and H&H’s hunting editor Polly Portwin.
British eventers Mary King and Lucy Wiegersma have agreed to be ambassadors for the derby, as has actor and president of the British Horse Society Martin Clunes.
“As someone who has enjoyed exploring Dartmoor for much of my life, I’m delighted it is hosting this innovative ride,” said Mary (pictured, top).
“Dartmoor’s scenery is as beautiful as you will find anywhere in the world, and the terrain provides terrific riding.”
For more information visit: www.dartmoorderby.com
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Rachael joined Horse & Hound in 2014, initially as a digital sub editor then became part of the news team as a writer in 2015. The philosophy graduate studied journalism at the Press Association before working as a local reporter at the Brentwood Gazette. Rachael is now a mum of two and still loves all things equestrian, including hacking, dressage and jumping with her cob Bert. Rachael left the H&H staff to go freelance in June 2019, but still contributes to our magazine and website, as well as our sister magazine Country Life, among others.