The SLL White Horses Caravan of Hope has added a new dimension.

The SLL White Horses Caravan of Hope has added a new dimension. For most people, taking a group of disadvantaged youngsters and getting them to ride a group of young horses from the Camargue, in the south of France, to London, would be enough of a challenge.

For Jakki Cunningham, who has led the 2005 and 2008 SLL White Horse odysseys this isn't enough. For 2012 she is including a disabled veteran, driving a one man, wheelchair enabled, all terrain pony drawn vehicle called the iBex alongside the group of ridden horses from the Camargue to London.

The iBex has already driven from Exeter to London, and is undergoing destructive testing on Dartmoor. The iBex hasn't broken any of the Tors yet, but it is still trying. The iBex has been developed to allow wheelchairs to go anywhere, and six schools in the Exeter area have used it this summer to ensure that everyone in the class, regardless of physical ability gets out on the farm visits atWest Town Farm, Ide and round all the muddy bits.

The iBex has also taken a group of severely disabled children to the beach, and into the sea. Anyone who has tried to push a wheelchair in sand will realise the degree of freedom this gives. Bex, one of the iBex test drivers, who suffers from Friedrich's Ataxia, spent two days at the The Royal Welsh Showground Spring Festival demonstrating the unique iBex instant release system which enables her to drive on Exmouth Beach, through Haldon Forest, around West Town Farm, Ide and through Exeter, in safety.

The iBex is proud to be associated with the unique Caravan of Hope, and believes that adding a disabled veteran to the project will increase the benefits for all. Leadership doesn't get amputated with limbs, nor does courage, resourcefulness, or the skills of living away from the normal amenities of civilisation. Everyone can learn from each other and most of all, from the horses.


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