North and East Yorkshire Group of Endurance GB hold fifth ride of season (From Gazette & Herald)

North and East Yorkshire Group of Endurance GB hold fifth ride of season

12:46pm Thursday 9th July 2009 in

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THE North and East Yorkshire Group of Endurance GB held their fifth ride of the season at High Farm, Pockley, near Helmsley.

Ride organiser Lesley Hughes did well to secure a new venue at the eleventh hour, due to the previous one no longer being accessible. A total of 115 riders enjoyed the mixture of competitive and pleasure ride classes, with some travelling from as far as North Wales and Derbyshire.

The forestry tracks had benefited from recent rain, although there were some stretches of moorland which became sticky in places. The temperature rose significantly during the day, the fords on route were welcome refreshment for the horses, and crews had their work cut out to keep the horses heart rates down. As a result good grades were hard to achieve.

Of the 11 combinations set out to complete the 64km class, all but one were successful. The highest gradings were achieved by Sarah Ollis partnering Cwrtycadno Zeus, and Rachel Atkinson, on Imperial Bashir, both gaining Grade 2.

A total of 46 riders took part in the 40 and 32km competitive classes. The only Grade 1s of the day were awarded in these classes. Liz Benwell riding Phineskies Crusada and Linda Grove’s Castlehill Girl were successful in the 40km class. The 32km ride saw Jayne Young’s Alchise and Pauline Pugh’s Autumn Ruby gaining maximum points.

The event was well supported by local pony club members, having a go at something different. Katie Wilson and her horse Alexander Beetle were awarded an Eagle Award for completing 40km at 12.12kph. Kestrel awards for successfully completing 24km were given to Evie Hardwick and Lydia Sutcliffe. Sophie Riggs, J J Foster, Olivia Foster and Esme Terry all gained Kestrel awards for finishing the 18km class.