A rider from Wiveliscombe and two of her horses are set to trek across Exmoor to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

From Friday, August 8, until Sunday, August 10, Claire Wilkinson, her horse Fly and her pony George will travel from Wiveliscombe to Dunkery Beacon — the highest point on Exmoor — and back with no support.

The team are fundraising for Claire’s local branch of the Royal British Legion, which the rider and horse Fly support by leading the Remembrance Day parade every year. The rider hopes to raise £500 in aid of serving and ex-serving personnel and their families.

Given their annual participation in the charity’s events, Claire said: “It feels quite fitting that Fly and I should take on this challenge together to raise vital funds for the branch so we can carry on supporting our local veterans and their families.

“The branch has been going for nearly 100 years - our centenary is in 2027 - and I want to do everything I can to keep it going and help it in supporting the local community.”

“I’m also doing it to challenge myself and my horses.

“We will have to ride along roads as well as bridle paths and byways, up and down steep hills and there will be some harsh terrain up on Exmoor to battle over as well.

“You can do anything if you put your mind to it and so I’m going to push myself and do this challenge on my own with my horses and complete it.”

Claire will be riding Fly, with pack pony George carrying essential equipment for the journey including a tent, for two nights of camping, and food for the trio.

Emergency vet and farrier help will be on-call, but the trio will otherwise attempt to complete the expedition “solo”.