Taken from www.hookedonhorses.co.uk - this experience looks terribly amazing! After my terrible riding form out in Cyprus I don’t think I would be up to scratch to attempt the Iceland trek, but for anyone who can ride, it looks like a must this summer!

Thrill seeking horse riders are being offered a once in a life-time opportunity this August to trek through Iceland’s magnificent Snæfellsnes peninsula National Park and raise money for the Brooke, the UK’s leading charity for hardworking horses, donkeys and their owners overseas.

The six day trek will lead participants past snow capped mountains, steaming waterfalls, green valleys and the majestic Snæfellsjökull volcano. It culminates with a visit to the famous Blue Lagoon where riders can relax in the thermal pools. Riders will cover an average of 35km a day so this is perfect for those who are up for a challenge!

“The Brooke Icelandic Horse Trek is set to be a really exciting, unique challenge taking participants through some of the world’s most beautiful landscape. All you need is enthusiasm, confident horsemanship, a good level of fitness and a commitment to support the Brooke” says Gemma Laragy, Brooke’s Community Fundraising Manager.

By taking part you’ll be helping to improve the lives of hard working horses, donkeys and mules in some of the world’s poorest communities. Many of these animals toil for up to 12 hours a day in unbearable conditions. Through their mobile veterinary teams, the Brooke ensures these animals are healthy, happy and fit for work, thus maintaining the livelihoods of the millions of poor people who rely on them. And, by taking the time to educate and train owners on how to properly care for their animals – the Brooke continues to improve animal welfare throughout communities.

Spaces are limited and filling up fast so people are advised to sign up as soon as possible. The challenge runs from 14^th – 21^st August 2010. To sign up, you need to pay a registration fee of £250. Participants are then asked to raise a minimum amount in sponsorship.

For more information or to sign up, please visit www.thebrooke.org/iceland, contact the Brooke’s Fundraising Team on 020 7653 5812, or e-mail community@thebrooke.org.

All about… The Brooke

The Brooke is the UK’s leading overseas charity dedicated to alleviating the suffering of horses, donkeys and mules working in the poorest parts of the world, and improving the lives of the poor people who depend on them.

Millions of these animals toil in some of the world’s toughest environments, but much of their suffering is entirely preventable. Our network of mobile vet teams, field clinics and community animal health workers provide care and treatment in conjunction with education and training to promote good animal welfare practices. Our work inspired HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to become our President.

From humble beginnings in Cairo, the Brooke has grown into an international life saver, reaching 700,000 animals each year across 10 countries. For more information about the Brooke visit www.thebrooke.org