The ride of a lifetime in Wadi Rum - and all for a good cause!
30th April 2008
Twenty two intrepid riders have just returned from their adventures in Jordan after completing the BHS Bedouin Riding Challenge 2008.
The British Horse Society Fundraising Riding Challenges were first launched in 2000 to assist with funding the Society's welfare work and to provide education and advice in the campaign to prevent cases of neglect.
The Bedouin Challenge took riders approximately 125km across Wadi Rum, one of the most beautiful areas of Jordan. Riding through massive rock canyons and over the silky sand dunes, dining under the desert stars and sleeping in Bedouin tents it was truly a challenge of a lifetime!
For some it was the first chance to ride an Arabian horse, but all adapted well to riding Bedouin style across the Jordanian desert in high temperatures. Their efforts were well rewarded as together they raised an amazing £23,000 for BHS Welfare.
Joanna Smith from Collingham said: "This was a once in a lifetime experience that will always have a special place in my heart. I didn't realise that I would form such a bond with my horse in such a short space of time and I have never felt so emotional when it all came to an end!"
The BHS Bedouin Riding Challenge will take place again next year from 28 March to 5 April 2009.
This year's brave challengers were: Sue Bennett, Diana Byrne, Sara Clay, Leanne Coombs, Sue Dall, Jacky Gregory, Philly Hamilton, Sue Hawking, Helen Jenkins, Alison Martin, Tina Neal, Gill Nobbs, Richard O'Neil, Natasha Prankerd, Alison Richardson, Helen Semple, Jo Smith, Graham Steeden, Laura-Jayne Vince, Helga Wentworth, Rebecca Wentworth and Sian Wombwell.
For further information and pictures, please contact: Wendy Minor, The British Horse Society, 01926 707806 or w.minor@bhs.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. The British Horse Society is a charity and membership organisation. It has a membership of more than 106,000 (including British Riding Clubs). Membership information can be obtained on 0844 848 1666.
2. The Society run a variety of challenge rides to raise fund for BHS welfare. Forthcoming dates are:
Peru 13-28 September 2008
Jordan 28 March - 5 April 2009
Inner Mongolia 3-12 July 2009
Iceland 23-30 August 2009
India October 3-13 October 2009
