An award-winning Lichfield vet has given his support to a fundraising trek through the National Forest.
Around 150 riders will be raising money for international animal charity SPANA.
Gil Riley, of Pool House Equine Vets in Lichfield, is one of the Horse Vets United team behind the event. He explained: “We came up with the idea earlier this year and weren’t sure how popular it would be with local riders, but we’ve been completely overwhelmed by the response.
“Places are filling up very quickly, so we’d urge anyone excited by the idea of meeting up with fellow riders, enjoying the fantastic countryside and raising funds for a really worthwhile cause to get in touch right away.”
The riders will set off between 10am and 1.30pm from Mease Farm in Edingale and trek 10 or 20 miles of countryside (or three miles for children). The route will follow mostly flat bridle paths and fields and should be suitable for all riders including novices.
The only entry criteria are that participants raise as much in sponsorship as they can and have a horse capable of completing the course.
SPANA’s chief executive, Jeremy Hulme, said: “We’re so grateful to Gil and the Horse Vets United team for their dedication and ambition in organising an event on such an incredible scale.
“Across the developing world up to 200 million horses, donkeys, mules and camels are used in place of trucks and tractors – it can be backbreaking work and many lack access to even basic veterinary care. SPANA provides free vet treatments for around 400,000 sick and injured working animals every year. And thanks to the Horse Vets United team, we’ll be able to help many more.”
The Horse Vets United trek will end back at Mease Farm where riders will enjoy a well earned social event, with barbeque, refreshments and a fundraising raffle.
For more information or to register online visit www.poolhousevets.com/Equine/horsevetsunited.
