HELP for new riders at Pleasure Rides

 

A ride route will use public roads, bridleways and permissive paths you may meet walkers, cyclists, children, novice riders, dogs etc out on the route. A rider therefore should be confident at all paces and be in control of their horse/pony.

All riders must wear riding helmets conforming to current safety standards, but spurs & long whips are not allowed.

 

A child may compete once they are 8years old, but a responsible adult must accompany them. They can ride by themselves once they have had their 13th birthday.

 

Horses/ponies should be at least 4years old, reasonably fit, sound and with safe tack. If your horse is prone to kicking or might kick in company please tie a red ribbon in its tail and use a green ribbon for a nervous or novice horse and blue for a stallion. Stallions must also have ‘stallion bridle tags’ which can be loaned from the ride organiser if you ask in advance

 

All rides have a map marked with the route, the route will also be marked on the ground (with tape or spray paint), coloured tape, or stakes and flags, and there may be a talk round (written route description) as well – an emergency phone number will also be given to you. But if you are not sure of something – please ask!

 

We try to minimise roadwork but there will be some and roads will need to be crossed. There may also be gates - they must be left closed unless there is a notice saying otherwise (or a gate steward). We also sometimes have special permission to use private tracks, which can only be used on that day, on that ride.

 

Riders should aim to complete a route at 8 – 12kph (5 – 8mph) this is easily achieved by using a combination of walk, trot and canter but walking all the way round (or stopping at the Pub!) will be too slow! Eg: 15miles should take less than 3hours.  

 

If you need to pass someone (on horse, foot or cycle) - please let them know before you do so!

Again, if someone wants to pass you, they should ask and wait for you to give the OK before overtaking – but please let them past as soon as it safe to do so. Put a ribbon (red or green or both) on your horse just in case horses coming up behind you might cause a problem.

 

On the way to the ride or out on the route, if there is a problem use the emergency phone number & we will try and help.

 

When you arrive at the Venue of a ride, the parking steward will show you where to park and where the Secretary is. Go to the Secretary to collect your bib (a deposit, usually £5, may needed if you are a non-member) – they will answer any queries you have about the ride etc, but please do not leave your horse tied up unattended at the Venue.

 

About 10mins before your vetting time, lead your horse over to the farrier in either a head collar or a bridle , the shoes will be checked, then move over to the vetting area and you will be called in turn. You will be asked to trot your horse up and back so that the horse can be checked. If all is well you are good to go!

 

When tacked up, ride over to the start. Tell the timekeeper that you are leaving and go and enjoy your ride, don’t forget to call out your bib number to the Steward at each checkpoint.

 

On your return, tell the timekeeper you are back then look after your horse.  Finally, call in at the Secretary to return your bib and collect your deposit and your rosette!

 

A full copy of the rules and information for Endurance GB is available at the Secretary’s office or can be seen at www.endurancegb.co.uk