Endurance GB Barbury Castle Ridgeway Ride
Mr Nigel Bunter for the Barbury Castle Ridgeway endurance ride, held on his glorious Barbury Castle estate.
On one of the hottest weekends of this dreary summer some 400 competitors enjoyed the hospitality of
Due to bad weather forcing cancellations of other events the organisers Jill Kent, Linda Kidd and Liz Hinings had opened up their ride to include four FEI classes, the Southern Championship and the National Interregional competition.
This is a feat of organisation that almost defies imagination but with a thoughtful rearrangement of the venue layout the 2 day event went ahead without a hitch. The new vetting arrangements worked particularly well with a separate entrance and crewing area for horses in and out of the vet gate, whilst those finishing the shorter rides could come in at their own pace.
The Inter-regionals was a very close fought competition with South West Group prevailing for the second year running, with North West Group second and local Heart of England & Cotswolds in third place. This competition allows riders of all abilities, ages and ambitions to have a go and engenders real team spirit. Each group adopts its own colour scheme and it is encouraging for the riders to see their own crews and supporters out on course – easily identifiable in team strip. Most groups now set up a gazebo at the venue for team talks and a social evening on Saturday. Huge thanks go to Peggy Sofley and Ellie Head for taking on this administrative task and raising the profile of the competition. Chelwood rosettes very kindly sponsored the ribbons and rosettes for the Team event that were very handsome.
The two day 130km Saracen Horse Feeds Challenge was won by Elizabeth Whiteley riding Merlin and this achievement won them a lovely Equus Eye Trophy commissioned by Nikki McGee of Saracen Horse Feeds. Elizabeth was also presented with a beautiful embroidered rug “Champion of Barbury” and feed vouchers for Saracen products.
The FEI 2* 120km was won by Alice Beet on Shambaih (15kph), with second place gong to Fiona Hamilton on Sherfah (14.71kph) and Nicky Sherry and Silver Zourra (14.1kph) in third. The hot humid conditions played a big part in the results with several riders needing treatment for dehydration or sun stroke. The speeds were slower than previous years as riders took heed of veterinary advice to take it steady. Just one rider successfully completed the Young Riders 120km FEI 2* and that was Dace Sainsbury riding Mayday Dream who completed at a speed of 12.76kph
The 80km FEI 1* senior class went to Helen Perry from Ireland on Wesam, with her sister Suzanne McConnell on Skylight Crusader in second; both recorded a speed of 15.19 kph.
The Hilton Herbs 100km ER was a clean sweep for the South West Team with their riders taking the first three places. Jo Chisholm on Keryel Lotois, Ginny Gidley on Desert Kudoss and Judy Holloway on Aurontes crossed the finish line together at a speed
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of 13.51 kph. The Hilton Herbs 100km ER for young horses (7 and 8 yo) went to Carri Ann Dark with Open All Hours (13.98kph) – and she was the only finisher in the class.
One feature of this event that is always very popular is the Churches Cake Stall. Organised by the churches from the parishes that the ride goes through – the cakes and produce on offer can only be described as absolutely scrummy, and it is always a sell out making a big profit for the church funds!
No big ride can run nowadays without the support of its sponsors and Barbury Castle Ridgeway Ride is very fortunate to have the generous support of Saracen Horse
Feeds, Hilton Herbs, Performance Equestrian, Chelwood Rosettes, Torq UK, Equimatters and Rex Photography. Last but by no means least huge thanks must go to the army of helpers who ensure that the ride runs smoothly – from the officials running the vet gate to the road crossing stewards and gate openers who worked for very long hours in the heat – all for a packed lunch and a cold drink – we salute you!
For full results and more information about Endurance GB please visit
www.endurancegb.co.uk. photo of winners
www.rexphotography.co.uk
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