Endurance riding season gets underway (From Gazette & Herald)

Endurance riding season gets underway

4:49pm Thursday 28th January 2010 in

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THE Endurance riding season is about to start.

A pleasure ride gets the season underway at Escrick Park, just off the A19 between York and Selby, on Sunday, February 28. There are route options of either 20 or 30km around the scenic parkland and woodland.

Most of the Endurance GB rides have a pleasure ride class alongside the competitive rides. Distances for pleasure rides vary, from 20km (approximately 12 miles) to 32km (18 miles), so riders can choose their distance and, if preferred, build up gradually. Entries are made in advance and usually close 10 to 14 days before the ride takes place. Details of how to get to the venue and a map showing the ride route are usually posted out to riders.

Volunteers ensure the route is well marked out so that everything is prepared for the first riders to set off. Pleasure riders need to report to the starter or timekeeper when they are ready and remember to report back to the timekeeper upon their return.

Riders who are taking part in a competitive ride must trot-up their horse for the vet before starting the ride and an allocated time for this is given in the ride instructions sent with the map.

Horses need to be presented to the vet with no saddle, no rugs or leg boots. Once the vet has confirmed the horse is sound, and able to start, its time to saddle up and present to the starter or timekeeper, usually within half an hour of the vets inspection.

Consideration should be shown to other riders, particularly when passing them. A horse that may kick should have a red ribbon in its tail.

Any type of horse or pony can take part, from a small pony to a Shire or Clydesdale. Young riders are made welcome, from the age of eight-years-old, but riders below 14 years should be accompanied by an adult. All rides are stewarded and rider’s numbers recorded at checkpoints on the route so that if any riders do get lost it is quite easy to determine the general area they are in. Medical and veterinary assistance are ensured if needed.

For more information about endurance riding, and forthcoming rides, visit the North and East Yorkshire Group website www.neyorksgroupofegb.com