WAR Horse Memorial Ambassador Rob Underhay and Blaze the pony will be in the Scottish Borders for four days next month.
The pair will embark on their epic a 520-mile fundraising walk on Monday July 4 to commemorate The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and raise money for the War Horse Memorial’s equine and military good causes.
These include EMRA, the Edinburgh March Riding Association, based in Edinburgh.
The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards will provide a guard of honour and pipers will play as the party leaves the grounds of Balmoral Castle at the start of their ambitious 48-day adventure.
The 57-year-old will be dressed in WW1 uniform while his equine partner, Blaze will give the appearance of a First World War pack horse with authentic harness.
The walk will include 17 main destinations in Scotland with events at Stirling and Edinburgh Castles, and a dazzling turn out of horses, donkeys and dogs at Jedburgh.
The final leg sees a ceremonial hand-over to the Royal Logistics Corps Horse- Drawn Heritage at Carter Bar on the Scottish English border.
Rob’s support team is led by his wife, Tina who will join him along the route with the family’s pet Labrador, Oscar, with further help provided by family and friends
Rob said: “In the First World War alone tens of millions of horses, mules, donkeys, dogs and cats gave service and sacrifice for the freedom we enjoy today.
“I wanted us to recognise what we have asked from them in the past and what we ask from them today; they didn’t choose, we chose them. It is with this frame of mind that I wanted to walk with and not ride Blaze for this event.”
If all goes to plan the pair will arrive in Lauder on Tuesday July 19 then Melrose the following day. They will be in Jedburgh on July 21 and at Carter Bar on July 22. Times will be announced in due course.
To support The War Horse Platinum Jubilee Walk and help military veterans, British heritage, animal sanctuaries, and the historic Edinburgh March Riding Association, donate to: The War Horse Memorial CIC - www.thewarhorsememorial.org CIC Number; 10624199 or cheques can be sent to The War Horse Memorial CIC, 18 Ascot Towers, Windsor Road, Ascot, Berkshire SL5 7LG.
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