Pam Brown
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
MEMORABLE QUOTES
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Introducing The Prince's Trust
Before I start writing about my personal journey into the Andes, I'd like to give some background on The Prince's Trust, the Charity I chose to support when undertaking this Challenge. This is mainly for the benefit of those non-UK nationals who might not be familiar with this Trust.
The Prince of Wales founded the Trust in 1976, after having completed his duty in the Royal Navy. The Trust is the proof of dedication towards improving the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK and since then has become the UK's leading youth charity, offering a range of opportunities including training, personal development, business start up support, mentoring and advice.
An innovative and exciting way of raising funds is achieved through the number of Challenges that the Trust organises annually - ranging from coast to coast treks in Costa Rica, travelling from Summit to Sea in Borneo or crossing the Andes on horseback. These Challenges provide opportunities for people to participate in physically demanding journeys that will not only motivate them to push their physical abilities beyond the limit, but will also help those disadvantaged youngsters to benefit from life changing opportunities.
In February 2008, I undertook the Trans Andes Horseback Challenge....this is my story.
More info on the Prince's Trust can be found on http://www.princes-trust.org.uk
The Prince of Wales founded the Trust in 1976, after having completed his duty in the Royal Navy. The Trust is the proof of dedication towards improving the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK and since then has become the UK's leading youth charity, offering a range of opportunities including training, personal development, business start up support, mentoring and advice.
An innovative and exciting way of raising funds is achieved through the number of Challenges that the Trust organises annually - ranging from coast to coast treks in Costa Rica, travelling from Summit to Sea in Borneo or crossing the Andes on horseback. These Challenges provide opportunities for people to participate in physically demanding journeys that will not only motivate them to push their physical abilities beyond the limit, but will also help those disadvantaged youngsters to benefit from life changing opportunities.
In February 2008, I undertook the Trans Andes Horseback Challenge....this is my story.
More info on the Prince's Trust can be found on http://www.princes-trust.org.uk
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Learning to Ride
I cannot say I didn't aim high, reaching towards the skies, in 2007.
New Year's Day of 07 saw me on the Shira Plateau half way up Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa and the largest free standing mountain in the world. Successfully reaching the summit made me realise that dreams can come true only if you reach out and grab them. Determination is the secret.
Horses have fascinated me ever since I watched the 1979 film, The Black Stallion. Since then my dream was to learn how to ride horses. The time never seemed right but 2007 was to be the year of achieving my dreams.
September 07 - Rather than starting with some riding lessons, I first did a Google search and after going through a selection of Challenges I opted for the Trans Andes Horseback Challenge, organised by the Princes Trust. Apart from the horseback trek itself, I would be visiting the Andes and Argentina. I would be killing two or rather three birds with one stone as the chosen location was on my travel wish list.
I had four months to learn how to ride a horse, build confidence on the saddle and become physically fit for such a challenge - NO JOKE! But having such a goal would drive me more to be successful.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays were dedicated towards horseriding - learning the basic techniques and gaining confidence by going on two hour rides. A fall off Jasper in the early days of training shook my confidence - big time I must add and there was a time when I was actually considering giving up.
Once again determination....and a very patient instructor, got me going. Rain or shine, calm or windy days did not deter me from training regularly building a bond with the horse I was riding - I would like to call him my horse but although I love him as if he were mine, I cannot call him mine.
The following posts are some of my thoughts whilst undertaking the Trans Andes Horseback Challenge.
New Year's Day of 07 saw me on the Shira Plateau half way up Mount Kilimanjaro, the roof of Africa and the largest free standing mountain in the world. Successfully reaching the summit made me realise that dreams can come true only if you reach out and grab them. Determination is the secret.
Horses have fascinated me ever since I watched the 1979 film, The Black Stallion. Since then my dream was to learn how to ride horses. The time never seemed right but 2007 was to be the year of achieving my dreams.
September 07 - Rather than starting with some riding lessons, I first did a Google search and after going through a selection of Challenges I opted for the Trans Andes Horseback Challenge, organised by the Princes Trust. Apart from the horseback trek itself, I would be visiting the Andes and Argentina. I would be killing two or rather three birds with one stone as the chosen location was on my travel wish list.
I had four months to learn how to ride a horse, build confidence on the saddle and become physically fit for such a challenge - NO JOKE! But having such a goal would drive me more to be successful.
Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays were dedicated towards horseriding - learning the basic techniques and gaining confidence by going on two hour rides. A fall off Jasper in the early days of training shook my confidence - big time I must add and there was a time when I was actually considering giving up.
Once again determination....and a very patient instructor, got me going. Rain or shine, calm or windy days did not deter me from training regularly building a bond with the horse I was riding - I would like to call him my horse but although I love him as if he were mine, I cannot call him mine.
The following posts are some of my thoughts whilst undertaking the Trans Andes Horseback Challenge.
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