London to Tokyo by horse

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Becky Sampson will today embark on a four-year journey through 15 different countries. She will be riding her horse, Bertie, and they will average 20 miles a day, with a couple of rest days each week for Becky and Bertie to recharge their batteries.

The pair will stop for a few months during the winter months so Becky can visit the SOS Children’s Villages along the way and do some teaching. She is also linking schools in the UK with SOS Children’s villages abroad. Becky‘s route will take her from London to France, Germany, Czech Republic, Solvakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Tukmenistan, Uzbekista, Kyrgyzstan, China, and finally, Japan.

What inspired you to help SOS Children?

SOS Children is the World’s largest orphan charity, and I chose to support them during the expedition as they have projects and villages throughout the world, many of which are in the countries I shall be riding through. I want to be involved with SOS through visiting their villages and meeting the children, and by seeing first hand how they operate and the good work that they do.

Why choose to go on such a long trek?

I have always wanted to ride along the ancient trading routes of the Silk Road, as it has a fascinating history and covers such varied terrain. However, when I suggested my intentions to ride the Silk Road to friends and family, they told me I should do a ride closer to home. Taking this at face value, I decided to ride from home to Tokyo - I don’t think this is what they meant, but that is how the idea developed!

How are you funding your trip?

I have primarily funded the trip myself, though by no means do I have all the funds required for the journey. I hope to raise more money whilst travelling, through donations, sponsorship and teaching English when I stop off for winter months. I have also been awarded a travelling Fellowship by the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust, which will help fund the first year of the expedition.

Is Bertie going to be the only horse you ride on your adventure?

Bertie is the only horse who will complete the entire journey, however I may get a pack pony when we come to more remote areas, and camels for the desert stretches. Bertie’s size makes him perfect for jumping on and off for rest periods and opening gates! He has a very comfortable trot and nothing phases him - from flapping maps to slipping saddlebags, he takes everything in his stride. He is also very friendly and always on the look out for cuddles - making him the perfect travelling companion.

Can you tell us about the work you will be doing for SOS Children along the way?

Asides from fundraising through my justgiving page, during the ride Bertie and I shall be visiting some of the SOS Children’s villages. I shall be linking schools in the UK with the villages that I visit, and in doing so encourage children here to learn about the way the SOS children live and about their culture. This also meets the requirements of the National Curriculum’s global citizenship module. I will take letters and pictures from UK schools to the villages, and hopefully send back similar items to the schools. These schools may also raise money throughout the year for their village.

Will you miss your family and friends or will they come and see you - how will you keep in touch?

I will of course miss family and friends, and have told them that they all come and visit me at some point - they have four years in which to do so, so there is no excuse! I have a device called a SPOT, which tracks where I am using Googlemaps, so people will be able to follow my progress. I hope to get a satellite phone for the more remote parts of the ride, and will access emails and update the website when I can

Have you got a support team going with you on the trek?

I don’t have a support team coming on the ride, but I do have a network of great people both at home and abroad who I can call upon in times of trouble

Will you be writing a book at the end of your adventures?

I fully intend to write a book about the journey, and have already started taking notes on the planning and preparations. I love photography so it would be fantastic to publish both a book and photos - watch this space!

What will you do when you get back?

In this current climate, no one would keep a job open for me for four years! I have no idea what I will do. I am keeping an open mind - Bertie and I may continue around the world and do a full circumnavigation; or I may canoe down the Amazon; or perhaps I will hang up my bags and become a full time writer. Who knows - que sera sera is my motto.

What would you say to other women who want to do something completely different?

Follow your dreams - you only have one life - live it. Ignore those who tell you your dreams are unachieveable - nothing is impossible. Follow your heart and live life by the moment. It is better to try than to live with regrets. Go for it!

Following Becky

Keep an eye on our progress via the website www.expeditionequus.com, and when access to a computer is limited I will be texting Twitter - sign up at www.twitter.com/expeditionequus.

Tags: Escape from the comfort zone, Inspirational Women, Self improvement & wellbeing