Expedition - on Horseback
Five students who are working towards their Duke of Edinburgh's silver award have decided to do their expedition on horseback. The three-day expedition is a compulsory component of the award and most people use "shanks' pony" rather than real horses!
Kim Osborn, Amy Lines, Faye Emmerton, Laura Jackson and Catherine Robson have become firm friends since joining QE in September, and a common interest cementing their friendship is their love of horses. Hence their idea to complete their expedition on horseback.
All the girls ride but only Amy has her own horse and all of them must get up to Pony Club C grade standard before they can embark on the expedition. They've therefore got to take riding lessons and they'll have to hire horses for practice expeditions and for the real thing. It's going to be expensive, but they're determined to do it and are devising all sorts of fundraising schemes to raise the estimated cost of the project - £4000! They're planning to go to car boot sales and are seeking sponsorship from organisations like the Round Table and United Utilities.
Laura Jackson explains:
"We're really excited about it, but it's a big commitment and there's lots to do. It will develop teamwork and communication skills and we'll gain in confidence."
Catherine Robson adds:
"It's very different and quite a challenge, but we're determined and hope it will lead us into our gold awards."
November 11, 2005