A few places are available on a charity ride through some of the most poignant sites of the First World War. The Battlefield Centenary tour, organised by rescue charity World Horse Welfare, takes place on September 12–20, starting with visits to Waterloo and Mons.

The riding begins at Maubeuge, with a visit to the poet Wilfred Owen’s room and grave, and passes through Maretz, Vermand, Sancourt, Saint-Crépin-aux-Bois and Villers-Cotterêts.

There will be museum and battlefield visits with historian Brig John Smales, accommodation is in gîtes, hotels and gypsy caravans and travel to and from the Continent is via Eurostar. Registration costs £200 with the commitment to raise a further £2,200. Anyone interested in participating should contact Frances Plume at World Horse Welfare (01953 497210; www.worldhorsewelfare.org).

* This article was first published in Country Life on August 20 2014

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