A TEACHER has broken the world record for the longest uninterrupted horse ride.
Stacey Donnison started the gruelling 40-hour challenge last Thursday (June 1) and finished the mammoth ride on June 3.
So far the head of riding has raised £1,050 for her chosen charities, Pangbourne College's centenary and Riding for the Disabled in Chobham and Newbury.
Miss Donnison said: “The achievement still feels slightly surreal.
“When I arrived back at the College on Saturday morning my emotions were a mixture of ecstasy and exhaustion.
“It is such a big year for the College that I wanted to do something very special to help celebrate that – and also to raise money for the RDA, a charity close to my heart.
“The Riding for the Disabled Association does so much to enrich so many people’s lives.”
The demanding ride saw 12 horses and a small army of volunteers help Miss Donnison with the task.
Each horse was ridden for a maximum of three hours and had a minimum of eight hours rest between shifts.
The teacher had 3 minutes to complete each horse change and was flanked by two support vehicles to ensure the safety of her and her mount.
Miss Donninson added: “There were so many moments during the ride which made it special – like someone rushing out of their home to feed the horse an apple and very kindly make a donation.
““Every single horse gave me their all during the ride, if they had not been quite so keen I would have had to use my legs much more and the ride would have been even more exhausting!”
The 100-mile long route took horse and rider from Hillfields Farm to Pangbourne College's Parade ground via Streatley, Goring-on-Thames, Pangbourne, Woodcote, Henley-on-Thames, Wargrave, Windsor, Chobham and Laris Farm.
The record is awaiting accreditation from the Guinness World Records and currently remains unofficial.
Pangbourne College are aiming to raise £100,000 to celebrate 100 years of the college.
Visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/stacey-donnison to donate.
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