For what I think will be the last time, I am going to attempt the Golden Horseshoe Endurance Ride across Exmoor, 160 km on horseback in two days, May 16-17.   It's rugged terrain, and the top event in the British Horse Endurance calendar, considered to be very tough and challenging.

 

I will have at least two horses and I am determined to go the whole way again.  The last time, three years ago, I achieved Gold Standard time which means 'only' about 13 hours in the saddle.    I hope to ride the same two horses again this year but they, like me, are getting older.  Vets will check the horses before, during and after the ride, but  no one checks the riders for aching muscles or other sore parts!

 

I am doing the ride to raise money for the charity Honeymead Arts Trust which makes donations to arts and youth charities and organises an annual classical music festival in Somerset and Devon  which ends with three Festival concerts in aid of West Country causes, this year Exeter Cathedral;  Go Commando, which helps the families of Royal Marines;  and Calvert Trust which provides adventure holidays for the disabled including servicemen returned from Afghanistan.

 

An anonymous well-wisher has given a Challenge Grant and will match whatever you give;    so I hope you'll feel able to respond really generously despite these tough times. Every £1 you give will be worth £2.50 to the charity, boosted by  Gift Aid and the Challenge Grant.

 

Each of the 160 km will feel easier carrying your ££s, so I hope you will join me in making this a fantastic fund-raising success, and thank you very much, in advance, for your support.