Charity Ride - Riding with Kings - India
Join this challenge and raise money for the British Horse Society
The India challenge takes place in Shekhawati, an area of rural Rajasthan in the triangle formed by Delhi, Bikaner and Jaipur in the northwest of India. The region is famous as the traditional home of the merchants who made the SILK ROAD trading route so famous in former centuries. The architecture of their havelis (mansions) is renowned for their stunning frescos and Rajasthan has been dubbed the "open air art gallery of India".
You ride Marwari horses, descended from the war horses used by the ruling Rajput families and warriors of feudal India. These horses were known as being “superior to all men”, including the ruling family, so you're in for a treat! Marwari horses are tough and brave but perhaps their most noticeable physical attribute is their unusual ears which are lyre-shaped and curve inwards, often appearing to meet at their tip.
The Marwari horse stands between 14 and 17 hh depending on it's regional origin.
The Marwari comes in all colours including the boldly coloured ‘ablacks’ - (Piebalds or Skewbalds) particularly prized in India. They possess a natural disposition to perform which makes them particularly suitable for dressage. He is a tough, brave and undeniably beautiful horse who has proven his ability to adapt and thrive in most environmental conditions.
A day by day itinerary is available in the box on the left.
A registration fee of £250 is needed to secure your place on this ride which is non-refundable if, for any reason, you are unable to participate in the Challenge. The minimum sponsorship level is £2800 for the 2012 ride. The charity will need to receive these funds eight weeks before your departure. This amount includes all tour costs and the donation to the BHS Welfare Department but it excludes travel insurance, visa, optional tours and spending money. Fo more information please visit:
http://www.bhs.org.uk/Horse_Care/BHS_Challenge_Rides/India.aspx
A typical day on safari
A typical day on this Royal Safari starts for the grooms at 4am. The horses are fed early, so they have the energy to push through the sand tracks that lie ahead for the day. For the riders, there is a much more sociable start to the day; tea and coffee is served before a varied breakfast is served in the mess tent at 8am.
The riders mount their horses about 9am, before the heat of the day really kicks in. After a walk to warm up, the horses take advantage of the cooler air and blow the dust away with a long, fast gallop. The horses charge powerfully up and down the sandy tracks, and then steady back to a walk upon the lead riders signal. The morning 4 hour ride takes in villages and temples, and lots of curious locals!
At lunchtime, the jeep brings a cold buffet to enjoy under the shade of a tree. Take a bush shower to cool off, or avoid the midday sun and have a massage and a nap. Meanwhile the horses are unsaddled and roll in the sand before they are fed and watered again.
As the heat of the day subsides, the horses are tacked up and riders set forth for another 2 hours in the saddle. More canters and gallops ensue, and by the time the beautiful camp is sighted on the sandy horizon, both horses and riders are ready for a cold drink! Hot showers and cold drinks are available in camp, not to mention the masseur, ready to ease your aches and pains.
While you relax and learn about the Mawari heritage, our ex-army chef prepares a 3 course meal. Soup is served around the campfire, before guests choose from the array of dishes, guaranteed to satisty even the hungriest rider!
Key facts
Meals: All included. 3 meals per day. The food is mainly Indian stykes with a range of options to choose from. Vegetarians are well catered for
Drinks: Water is included. Alcoholic drinks are available throughout, at extra cost.
Group size: Maximum of 10 fundraisers, plus staff
Accommodation: Twin share. Single supplement available on request
Flights: flights included. London Heathrow to Delhi. Connecting flights and trip extensions in India available
Riding: Average 5 hours riding per day in 2 sessions on safari
Pace: Riders should be confident at all paces including long regular canters and the occasional gallop. The ride is not suitable for toal beginners
Non-riders: Can accompany the trip throughout, travelling in the Jeep on safari days. Please contact for more details
Travel Insurance: not included. Cover is compulsory