Press
release – The
Wadebridge Ride
The
Wadebridge Ride is always the first competitive
endurance ride of the season in the south west.
It can truly be called an “endurance” ride
since it has been held almost every spring since
the 1970’s.
The Ride Organiser this year was Stevie Martin,
who, together with her team of volunteer helpers,
ran the event with her usual brisk efficiency.
This year the ride was very kindly sponsored by
Sweet Meadow Horse Feeds.
The venue at the Royal Showground is nearly always
windy and this year was no exception but the riders
and their horses enjoyed wonderful sunshine all
day, as they trotted and cantered around the route.
This ride, which includes quiet lanes on the way
out, then forestry tracks, and more lanes on the
way back is an ideal and straightforward start
to the season. Experienced members of Endurance
South West use it to bring on their young horses
and novice riders make it their first competitive
ride.
One rider having her first experience of endurance
riding was 8-year-old Saffron Bishop, riding with
her father Tristan.
Saffron
may be just starting endurance riding but her
pony, Scarlet, known as “Charlie” at
home, has been there and done it all. Now aged
18 years, the little Exmoor x Arab pony taught
Saffron’s elder sister Rachael to ride and
to compete successfully in endurance riding.
In
2002, they were among only four competitors to
finish
the 100 mile Golden Horseshoe Ride on
Exmoor. That year they were also Junior National
Champions before going on to become Under 21’s
National Champions in 2005.
For the last two years, Scarlet has been on loan
to the Chisholm family, from Lydford, and has taken
sisters Tess and Abby up to advanced level endurance
riding. Now she is back at home in Alternun and
starting all over again with Saffron.
Over ninety competitors and pleasure riders took
part at Wadebridge, completing with a high number
of Grade Ones.
Equus Health were kind enough to give prizes for
the Best Turned Out Horse and Rider, which were
won by Carolyn Thomas on Midnight Mischief, Ann
Jobson on Samson, and Katie Came-Johnson on Pompei.
The
Sweet Meadow Horse Feeds awards for the Best
in Class, judged by the team of Vets, were Lesley
Dore on Firebird, Valerie Crocker on Prince Ladem,
and Vicky Mosey on Betty. The Farrier’s Award
was won by Arthur Bell of Truro, who shod Alex
Prout’s mare Tilly.
The
next competitive ride organised by Endurance
South West, is St Meubred’s at Cardinham,
on Sunday 19th April.
Non
members are welcome to take part in any of the
South West Group’s Training or Competitive
Rides. For dates, contact numbers, and to download
entry forms visit www.endurancegbsouthwest.com
