NEW FOR 2005

SADDLE UP FOR THE WILD, WILD WEST

Over a hundred years has elapsed since the closing of the frontier. The Mark Davies Injured Riders Fund has just initiated a unique ride on the legendary Outlaw Trail…

Ride back in time and follow the ghostly footsteps of infamous outlaws Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid in New Mexico, USA. The specialist equestrian sports charity has teamed up with equine adventurer Simon Casson, (author of “Riding The Outlaw Trail”) to offer a unique horse riding challenge for May 2005.

Casson was the first person to ride the 2,000+ mile historic trail unsupported and unbroken, from Mexico-Canada and will be heading up a group of just 9 thrill-seekers.

Embarking on an old time pack-trip deep into the Gila Wilderness – a metropolis of over 3.3 million acres, the ride tracks through rugged mountains (altitude between 4,200-10,900 feet), deep canyons, lush meadows, forest and desert. And it's not for the faint-hearted!

Rich in history, the Gila Wilderness embraces the Mogollon Indians, Apaches, Spaniards, Mexicans, miners, prospectors, ranchers and outlaws Butch Cassidy & The Sundance Kid who closed out with the West. Be sure to look out for bears amongst the elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, coyote and mountain lion!

If you ever thought that this is just another charity ride – think again. Casson only heads up authentic adventures. The MDIRF group will be riding through pristine wilderness, with packhorses taking all their worldly possessions. There are no fixed itineraries on this once in a lifetime under the stars adventure. Casson says: “here's the opportunity to check-out for a week, learn a little more about horses and yourself whilst riding off the face of the earth”.

Like Butch and Sundance, there's no going back…

Dates 22nd May - 31st May 2005 (at least 7 days in the wilderness) cost per person £2,500 inclusive of flights etc. No extra fundraising required.

For full challenge details contact:

Rosemary Lang

Telephone: 01483 278494

Rosemary@lang999.fsnet.co.uk

Website: www.mdirf.co.uk