On March 30, 2008 Martha Birkett will embark on a history-making ride across the country to raise funds for the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada.
The Nepean National Equestrian Park in Ottawa will host a send-off event where thousands of well-wishers will gather together to make the world’s biggest wish for peace, which Birkett will carry on her journey.
Birkett will ride 3,500 kilometres along the TransCanada Highway from Ontario back to her home province of Alberta in time for the Calgary Stampede in July. She plans to ride for eight hours (about 50 kilometres) a day, rotating four horses. She will camp in an RV and document her travels in the form of a blog with photos each night. A legion of supporters have stepped up to offer accommodations and feed, fundraising efforts and logistical assistance along the way.
It is anticipated that it will take Birkett approximately 42 days to reach the Ontario border, 11 days to cross Manitoba, 11 days to cross Saskatchewan and eight days to ride across Alberta to Calgary – for a total of about 66 days in the saddle!
At this time, in addition to donations, Giddy Up for Wishes is seeking qualified drivers in each province to offer their services to haul her RV and horse trailer for portions of the route.
Visit www.giddyupforwishes.com for more information and to follow Birkett’s progress. Also, be sure to pick up the May issue of Horse Sport for more details on her ride.
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