An animal trainer from Holsworthy, Devon is cycling 1,000 miles across Europe in a custom made tricycle, in which she will carry two ponies and a dog.

Emma Massingale will be pedalling from Switzerland back to the UK, following the River Rhine. She says she wanted to take the fact that horses have pulled us in carts and wagons for centuries and turn it on it's head.

She leaves the UK on May 11 and believes it should take a month to arrive back in the country.

Emma explains: “I had this idea of cycling across Europe with two ponies and my dog, to bring a smile to people’s faces along our way. The two new guys are still unbroken – although only tiny, Percy is technically a miniature Appaloosa horse while Stanley is a miniature Sheltand.

"Together they weigh in the region of 300kg. The trike is a bit like a tiny horse trailer – except it is powered by me, not an engine!”

Emma continues:

“The two ponies are not yet broken, but I will be training them as we go. Getting out of an arena and putting yourself a little out of your comfort zone is a great way of learning how to work with horses.”

“I first posted details of the adventure up on my social media page in January. Since then I have been amazed to receive messages of support from across the globe, while loads of people are also planning to fly in, to cycle a leg with us!

"I am hoping to travel around 30 miles per day, stopping off to do fun events at schools and in other communities and mostly to bring some happiness along the way”.

Emma will be raising money along the journey for her chosen charity: Brooke Action For Working Horses and Donkeys.

Emma has a just giving page to raise money for the journey and is also being sponsored by organisations including Mole Valley Farmers, Equestrian Cavallo, Hoof Boots NAF Dengie Horse Feeds Natural VetCare and Ariat Europe.

Julie Edwards, Head of Communications for Mole Valley Farmers says:

"We are always delighted to support Emma. She never fails to amaze us and we know that people love her quirky videos and the antics she and her animal friends get up to! We will be following her progress on her latest adventure on social media and sharing it on our Mole Valley Farmers Facebook page.”

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