Onlookers in Perth were left in awe as a herd of trained horses and their riders strolled through the city centre last week.
The group, facilitated by The Big Hoof charity, convened outside St John’s Kirk at 11am on Thursday for a stop off in their coast to coast journey.
Together with the horses, long distance runners and walkers were raising money for Venture Trust, a Scottish mental health charity.
The squad was joined by humane horse trainer Karen Inkster from Dunkeld as they made their way through Perth, where all were then greeted by Bailie Claire McLaren.
The dedicated team is travelling a near 200-mile route from St Andrews to Iona on horseback and on foot in an attempt to raise vital funds for the charity.
The aim is to raise £5000 to fund and support their outdoor therapy project, helping 16-25 year olds in Scotland and ex-service personnel.
That target will be achieved imminently with £4785 having been raised so far.
The fundraising description reads: “This year The Big Hoof and friends will be making a 200-mile journey across Scotland, from St Andrews to Iona, to raise funds and awareness for Scottish mental health charity Venture Trust.
“The journey, open to all, will be raising funds for the Venture Trust Outdoor Therapy project, a mental health initiative that combines time spent in nature with professional therapy.
“The project is a free service for 16-25 year olds and ex-service personnel.
“Join us on our journey.”
Previous to this ride, The Big Hoof has spearheaded other selfless ventures such as riding from John O’Groats to Land’s End and across Europe: 2800km in 110 days from Siena, Italy to Cape Finisterre, Spain.
The charity has raised over £75,000 for causes surrounding mental health, wellbeing and welfare, as well as riding over 4500km in five different countries.
To donate go to https://giving.give-star.com/online/the-big-hoof/fareways-the-journey-for-mental-health-across-scotland
