Challenging riding across the Andes
A horseback opportunity of a lifetime following Charles Darwin’s route through the remote Andes Mountains has just been launched by youth charity The Prince’s Trust.
The Trans-Andes Horseback Challenge provides riders with the opportunity to take on a unique equestrian experience and raise money for disadvantaged young people across the UK.
The six-day Challenge takes place from 1 to 10 February 2008 and will see riders trek more than 150km on horseback across the stunning landscape of the snow-capped Andes mountain range, from Mendoza in Argentina and to the Chilean capital of Santiago. Accompanied by a team of local “gauchos” (horsemen), participants will experience “cabalgata” or traditional horseback trekking. They will ride with western-style saddles and bridles and negotiate steep climbs, rugged terrain and remote mountain passes, crossing rivers and camping out under the stars each night along the route. The itinerary follows one of Charles Darwin’s expedition trails and passes breathtaking ravines, ancient volcanoes and hot springs, as well as taking in the diverse flora and fauna of the region. With up to eight hours a day in the saddle at high altitude (up to 4,500m), participants need to be confident riders and have a high level of fitness - committing to follow a comprehensive training schedule in the months leading up to departure in order to prepare for the intense physical demands of the journey.
The Trans-Andes Horseback Challenge is one of a range of intensely physically demanding Challenges in aid of The Prince’s Trust. From three to ten days in length, Challenges take place in seven countries across four continents and participants can chose from different disciplines including cycling, hiking, horseback riding, white water rafting and abseiling. Challenge destinations range from the arid Sahara Desert to the bio-diverse jungles of Borneo and remote sections of the Great Wall of China to the summit of the Continental Divide in Costa Rica.
For full details visit: www.princes-trust.org.uk/andes or call 020 7543 1370
The Trust’s Challenges aim to raise £500,000 over the next year to help thousands more young people across the UK to realise their potential and turn their lives around.
