Darren's first 4x4 driving experiences came many years ago during his time as a Royal Military Police officer driving army vehicles. Since leaving the army he has owned several Land Rovers and currently drives a Defender 110 TD5.
He has been an off road enthusiast for many years and his experience comes from driving green lanes, of varying difficulties, throughout the UK and France; mountain tracks and forest trails in the Zargoje region of Croatia; and recently, the pistes of Morocco and Mauritania.
He took part in the 2007 Landy Rally driving through 8 countries in 7 days.
When he isn't indulging the first love of his life he swaps the Land Rover for a mini tractor and spends his time, along with his better half (second love of his life!), Karen, working at their hobby-farm home here in La Creuse which they share with dogs, horses, pigs and chickens.
Karen enjoys taking in canine guests for 'dog holidays', providing four walks each day and the sameTLC she gives to all her own animals.
If you bring your dog on holiday, but don't want to leave him/her in the back of your vehicle all day whilst green laning, she would be happy to look after him/her for the day. (For more information and bookings please go to http://www.valhallafarm.org/ )
Stephen's off road driving experience spans more than 30 years. His competitive spirit has earned him many wins and high ranking positions in the world of 4x4 trials, competition safaris and Welsh Hill Rallies. One of his fondest memories is achieving 12th position (in a field of more than 70 competitors) when driving a leaf sprung 2 litre Series II while most other competitors were driving coil sprung V8 vehicles.
He currently drives a Land Rover Discovery.
His competitive spirit is not restricted to driving - with horses being another love of his life he has competed point-to-point, in the UK, captained the British Le Trec team and is qualified and licensed to train race horses here in France.
When he isn't off roading he is kept busy, along with his better half, Isla, at their Stud, Haras Mondial, where they also offer facilities for people to bring their horse on holiday and enjoy the fantastic out-riding through the countryside surrounding their home.
Isla has worked with horses for most of her life and will be happy to take out any experienced riders wanting to have a different kind of tour and swap their four-wheeled beast for a beautiful four-legged beast.
(You can read more information about Stephen, Isla and their horses at http://www.harasmondial.com/ )
