DJ and television presenter Sara Cox is among those who have signed up to take on this year’s 100km Dartmoor Derby.
After a successful trial last year, riders from across the world have agreed to take part in the three-day moorland trek, for which riders bring their own horses or hire them through organisers Liberty Trails. Participants can also look forward to “luxury pitstops in top hotels or specially built safari-style camps”.
Sara, who also rode in the shorter pilot ride last year, is looking forward to this year’s event, which runs from 23 to 26 September.
“I hadn’t predicted how spectacular Dartmoor would be,” she said.
“The views and scenery are incredible. And the mid-ride lunches and overnight camps are like something out of Downton Abbey.”
H&H hunting editor Polly Portwin also took part in last year’s 50-mile ride, which she described as “sheer heaven”.
She added: “There is no doubt about it, the views on Dartmoor are just breathtaking and really must be seen to be believed.
“It was a truly remarkable weekend and with options to camp, stay in luxury or mid-range hotels or a combination of the two, the Dartmoor Derby 2016 is definitely worth considering.”
A percentage of every ride entrance fee will go to the British Horse Society’s (BHS) Helping Horses programme, an appeal in aid of its welfare work.
BHS chief executive Lynn Petersen said: “The British Horse Society is proud to join Liberty Trails as charity partner for its Dartmoor Derby challenge ride. What a wonderful way to explore magnificent Dartmoor.
“We are delighted that all the funds we receive from this partnership will go directly towards helping horses in distress across the United Kingdom.”
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The Dartmoor Derby was inspired both by the success of the much faster and longer Mongol Derby, and the “enduring appeal of luxury African riding safaris”.
The event is supported by ambassdors Mary King MBE, Martin Clunes OBE, and Lucy McCarthy (née Wiegersma), all West Country residents with “personal experience of the pleasures of riding on Dartmoor”.
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