Relief Riders International

Relief Riders International runs 10 to 14 day horseback expeditions across the Thar Desert region of Rajasthan, riding Marwari horses between remote villages rarely visited by outsiders. Days combine riding through dunes, rocky outcrops and Bishnoi wildlife country with hands-on humanitarian work at relief camps set up along the route, supporting medical staff running free eye surgery, dental care and other treatment for villagers with little access to healthcare.

Founded in 2004, the company has run these Relief Rides for two decades, working in partnership with visiting medical professionals and local communities. Groups are capped at 12 riders to keep the experience personal and the camps manageable. Beyond the medical camps, itineraries include livestock donations to families in need and support for local schools, so riders leave having contributed directly to specific households along their route rather than a general charity fund.