ADVENTURER and animal whisperer Emma Massingale, from Holsworthy, is once again embarking on a ground-breaking trip that no-one has ever attempted before.

This time she is planning a 1,000-mile cycle across Europe — ‘interesting’, one might say, ‘yet surely not unique?’. But Emma, in her inimitable style, has given the challenge her own, particular twist, by commissioning a custom made tricycle, in which she will carry two new equine friends and her dog Inca, as she pedals from Switzerland back to the UK, following the River Rhine.

Emma left the UK on May 11 and she believes the expedition will take a month.

Emma said: “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 Shetland. 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!”

Although the ponies are yet to be broken, Emma will train them as she goes and says she is looking forward to taking her next challenge to Europe: “For many years I have had a great following in Europe. 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.

“I have chosen Brooke, Action for Working Horses and Donkeys as my charity for the year and any money we collect on the journey will go straight to them.”

Emma is one of Mole Valley Farmers’ sponsored riders and they will be supporting her during her journey. Julie Edwards, head of communications for Mole Valley Farmers, said: “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 the progress of her latest adventure on social media and sharing it on our Mole Valley Farmers’ Facebook page.”