A LOCAL equestrian is set to undertake an epic 100-mile, four-day trek on an Exmoor pony.

Hexham-based Juliet Rogers will do the ‘Intrepid 100’ ride on September 6 to mark the centenary of the Exmoor Pony Society (EPS).

She will start in Melrose, Scotland, and ride down through the countryside to Northumberland.

The  will cover 15 to 20 miles per day, following St Cuthbert’s Way – the route he is believed to have taken in 650AD.

Other riders are welcome to join in each day along the route.

Ms Rogers said: “I’ll be riding Rosefinch, a 21-year-old Exmoor pony from the Anchor herd on Exmoor who has been with me since she was two.

"She is a very special pony, and has placed at Horse of the Year Show on several occasions. She was Best of Breed at Olympia and has had three foals. She now is teaching children to ride. 

“Also on the journey is Jupiter, ridden by Paula Kay from North Yorkshire. Jupiter is a big substantial pony, bred in the North and came to riding late in life. Neither pony has done this sort of distance before. 

“We are hoping that other will come and join us on the way. We are planning to take four days, setting off from Melrose and crossing the causeway to Holy Island on Friday, September 10.”

Ms Rogers' ride is not the only one taking place in the UK. Another will trek across Exmoor in Somerset, coordinated by EPS member Sarah Burnley.

There is also a virtual long distance ride where people are encouraged to walk, run or ride (equines or bikes) and record their distances in their own time to achieve a joint effort.

Sue Burger, a breed panel judge and trustee at the EPS, said: “Exmoor ponies are well suited to long distance riding as they are a handy size, bold and forward going with a very well developed sense of self preservation.

"As a slow maturing breed, they need to be given time to mature and achieve the level of fitness required for distance, as some terrain can be very testing and could put too much strain on a young pony.

“Riders also need to learn to read a map, because you can't always rely on apps or getting a signal.”

Riders wishing to join the ride on individual days can find more information on the EPS's website at exmoorponysociety.org.uk. There is also an Intrepid 100 2021 Facebook group.