Riders

Genevieve Revell (Genna)

I have a film and television background as I studied at the Media Design School and worked at TV3 in the graphics department. I have loved horses since I was just a small Genna and have always dreamed of doing something out of the ordinary. I came up with the idea to travel around New Zealand on my horse when I was nineteen. When I met Kerrin he jumped at the idea straight away. A few months later we were married and planning Down, Across and Up together. It was truly an adventure of a life time and we both have so many incredible memories of all the people who were a part of it and of all the crazy moments we went through. The whole motivation behind Down, Across and Up was to raise money for CanTeen and it gave us a great feeling of satisfaction to be able to help people.

Kerrin Revell (Keggs)

I have worked in the Television industry for over 4 years. Prior to that I studied Film and Television and the Performing Arts. I ran my own entertainment business where I worked as a children’s entertainer. Prior to planning the trek I had never ridden a horse and certainly never envisaged doing so. The trek had so many highs and lows (usually on the same day) but that's what made it interesting. What inspired us to continue through, and overcome, the low moments were the CanTeen members. Every horse we had on the trek made us proud and we owe them so much. They were the ones who were actually doing the trek, we were just along for the ride, and what a ride it was!

Support Crew

Janice Revell (Support person/Cameraman)

December 2007 - May 2008

I have been accompanying Genna and Kerrin on their adventures and have also been their PR person for the entire trek. There has never been a dull moment and we have met the most wonderful people. It has restored my faith in the fact that New Zealanders are awesome. Genna and Kerrin have accomplished an amazing journey and should justifiably be very proud of themselves.

Francisca Galvez Vidal (Support Person/Cameraman)

August – November 2007

I have been involved in documentaries in my home country of Chile’ and found the project was perfect for me. I am passionate about travelling, nature, documentaries, photography and horses. I have been riding horses since I was young and couldn’t think of a better way to spend some time in this beautiful and exciting country.

Tiana Hodge (Support Person)

May – July 2007

My iwi is Te Arawa and my hapu is Ngati Whakaue. I enjoy travelling and have ridden motorbikes and hitchhiked in various countries on my own.

Jason Mathieson (Support Person/Cameraman/Photographer)

June – July 2007

Jason is a professional photographer who joined us for a month on our journey. He has always seen photography and camera work as a way of expressing the world in a creative way. Jason has also been in a few rodeos, so was keen to join the adventure.

Toby Barach (Support Person/Cameraman)

May 2007

Toby has a passion for animals and the outdoors so this was perfect for him. He prides himself on producing beautiful images. He helped us out at the start which was a really crazy time for us.

Dean Collier (Support person/Cameraman)

January 2008, April 2008 - May 2008 (current)

My inspirational camera work started on ‘Straight 8’ soundless footage as a young man, filming a movie for Civil Defence. More recently I have moved into the professional capture of weddings and book launches.

The inspirational encouragement to work with the DAU team on such an epic journey is reminiscent of the Overland Safari I led from Sydney to London in 1974.  It is a proud dad that sees Genna & her ambitious husband, Kerrin, perform this pioneering feat.

Fred Revell (Crash Test Dummy/Photographer)

December 2007 – May 2008

I didn’t apply or even decide to be the official Crash Test Dummy for Down, Across & Up it was thrust upon me. It seems that I always end up testing prototypes or trying things for the first time. For instance I was put on Daisy after Genna had given her some training. I found out that Daisy wasn’t ready for someone else to ride her and she reared up and threw me off.

I am also pretty good at going first on foot to stop the traffic thus protecting Genna and Kerrin from any ensuing danger.

I have also been helping to co-ordinate the trek and working as the Sponsorship Manager.

P.S. Falkor and I are mates