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Seagulls Endurance GB Ride 2011

30th August 2011

Seagulls Endurance GB Ride was a new one on the calandar this year, though the organisation had previously been at Firle Park. Every rider received a Dengie measuring bucket, which are highly prized within the Endurance circles along with additional prizes of vouchers and bags of feed.

It was a shame that it did not receive more support, but with a total of around 70 entries we had a fabulous day and I have heard that at least two people who rode on the Try Before You Buy scheme (a day ticket which allows non-members to enter competitive classes) are hooked and will be joining EGB for next season!

The venue was magnificent and though a last minute route change meant that some riders had to repeat a circuit out on the South Downs, the route rode well. The views were absolutely stunning, though the glitter of the sun on the sea was hidden behind a sea mist.
Riding on the South Downs is always challenging, with a mixture of flinty tracks and lovely old turf canters, and the climb to the top tests the horses’ fitness, but the concensus seems to be that everyone enjoyed themselves. The TRF did a magnificent job of marking the route, with direction arrows on almost every available gate and fence post!

There were 3 helpers at every check point, with plenty of water for both horses and riders, so those who were riding without a backup crew were not at a disadvantage. It was generally a hot, humid day, so the provision of water was welcomed by a number of competitors.

A great team back at the venue meant that there were no long delays for paperwork, and happy, smiling faces were the order of the day!

As usual, a number of “Special Awards” were up for grabs:

Best Young Horse  - WFA Electra and Gail Jupp

Best 1st Season Novice  - Jenny Dawson and Linda Kidson
Best Shod - Scrumpy 2 and Anja Brandt
Best Veteran Horse - Bing and Clair Dovey
Best Veteran Pony - Cookie and Daniel Vickery
 
Best Pony ridden by an Adult - Clonross Excelsior and Caroline Thompson

I must mention our Pony Club contingent, who all performed outstandingly. 4 out 5 of the Old Surrey & Burstow Junior Endurance Team took part at Seagulls. The Team has qualified for the National Championships at College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, and they were using Seagulls as a final ride to ensure both ponies and riders were all fit and capable of completing 32km, which they proved they could do in style. The youngest rider, Daniel Vickery, took home the Best Veteran Pony award, which was earned by Cookie, at the grand age of 31!

Will we be running it again next year? You bet! I just adore having all my endurance friends round for a party!

Sallie Dudley
Ride Organiser

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