Earlier this year I mentioned Project White Horses 2008 which I found to be an incredible and very worthy cause. The charity was conceived to help and encourage children and adults with disabilties and special needs through therapeutic contact with horses. We are now fast approaching the start date of Monday, May 5th and the epic six month journey ten horses and their riders are going to undertake. As you know, the trek departs from the Mas de la Cure (Saintes-Maries-de-la-Mer) situated in the beautiful Camargue and takes the long route up to Brittany. I’ve attached a map to show you the different stages along the way before they arrive in the UK.

This is a beautiful and courageous journey, made more so by the kind support of kindred spirits. But sponsors and donations are still needed so if you would like to help then do please click onto their website and offer help in any way you can. If you can’t help financially you may be able to help with suitable overnight lodging, food or simply just moral support. The horses and riders will be passing through the towns and villages of:

• Sete
• Cahors
• Perigaux
• Angouleme
• Nantes
• Vannes (arrival on Friday 25th July)
• Lorient (arrival on Saturday 2nd August)
• Brest
• Cherbourg (where they will commence their sea journey)
• Portsmouth
• London (where they are to be blessed on Sunday 28th September at St Marks Church, Regents Park/Primrose Hill)
• Bedford

If you live close by you may like to cheer them on and wish them well.

Camargue horses were chosen for a number of reasons but primarily because they can endure long distances, adapt easily to being guided and trained specifically for equine therapy and are very docile and adaptable. The selection of each horse for the Journey of Discovery was carried out with the cooperation of the Maison du Cheval Camargue, the AECRC (Association des Eleveurs de Chevaux de Race Camargue) and of a member of the Parc Natural de Camargue as well as an Officer from the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCMR) and Jakki Cunningham who understand a similar ride in 2007.