An adventurous Scottish rider is tackling a 3,000km ride across Europe to raise funds for refugee trauma.
Louis Hall and Sacha, his Anglo Arab, have covered more than 1,250km of the route from Siena, Italy, to Cape Finisterre, Spain.
Louis’ fundraising organisation The Big Hoof supports charitable causes through ridden challenges. The latest feat will raise money for Amna (formerly known as Refugee Trauma Initiative), supporting Ukrainian refugees and their trauma and raising awareness for sufferers of ill mental health everywhere.
“The Big Hoof ride is one of many charitable deeds and initiatives that the world is creating to help those who need it most, but the power in our story is its ability to ignite and inspire people from all walks of life to go out of their comfort zone, to break the mould, unite and create something extraordinary and positive in these darker times,” said a spokesman for the organisation.
Louis and Sacha’s journey will also be made into a documentary.
Endurance challenges
Louis grew up in the Highlands and has always had a taste for adventure. At 18 he bought three horses and rode around Lake Khovsgol in Northern Mongolia. Later that year he mustered cattle on horseback in the deserts of Alice Springs, Australia.
He has also been a tour guide in the Sierra Morena Mountains of Spain and has travelled through India and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean.
In 2020 Louis rode the length of the UK for the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, raising over £38,000 in 57 days. Last year he rode 100 miles from Cornwall to Devon to raise money for Afghan refugees, supporting the Turquoise Mountain Foundation.
Louis juggles his charity challenges with work as an actor, riding instructor and musician.
You can follow all the latest updates from The Big Hoof on Instagram and donate to the cause at www.thebighoof.com
