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Debut Horse Trek a Galloping Success

1st June 2012

A new charity horse trek in the Yorkshire Dales has been hailed a big success by both organisers and participants. Over 130 riders and horses congregated at the Coniston Hotel Estate near Coniston Cold and rode out in the sunshine on treks of 7, 14 and 16 miles. The event named ‘Mount up for Manorlands’ raised approximately £5,000 for Sue Ryder’s hospice at Oxenhope and was sponsored by Whitakers Animal Feeds of Keighley.

Many participants took the opportunity to tackle some of the fences used for the annual Hunter Trials which are held within the grounds of the Coniston Estate. Riders then left the estate and rode out on tracks, quiet lanes and bridleways up the dale towards Malham before looping back to the start. Approximately half the field tackled the long rise to Weets Top which overlooks stunning views of the dales and Malham tarn.

Sixteen of the participants hired a horse from Kilnsey Trekking Centre who were also helpful in the organisation of the ride. At the finish horses were given a Mount Up for Manorlands rosette and riders a ‘Ride for Ryder’ medal. Dengie representatice, Anne Priestman was also on hand to give nutritional advice and free samples to participants. Many riders also bought professional photographs of their group riding through the estate in the glorious weather.

Sue Ryder events organiser Andrew Wood explained how he was delighted with the event. “This was our first horse trekking event and we learned a few lessons but it was a great day and the response we’ve had from the participants has been excellent, we are so grateful that so many turned out to support us. Hopefully we can do something similar in the future. We owe a big thank you to our hosts at Coniston Hotel, our sponsors, volunteer helpers and the team from Kilnsey Trekking Centre.”

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