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Lumahla Gold & Mary Chowne

Photo By Eric G Jones

This famous event was first run in 1965, organised in those days by the Arab Horse Society. Run from Exford in the heart of Exmoor, it was a 50 mile ride then, and the competitors riding in hacking jackets and velvet caps or bowler hats would have looked very different to the riders of today! The event has evolved over the years and now has a well tried format of 3 classes – The Griffin NuuMed Golden Horseshoe, a 2 day ride of 160km (80/80), the Exmoor Stag class, a 2 day ride of 120kms (80/40) and the one day 80km Exmoor Eighty. The Horseshoe and Stag classes are for the most experienced horses and riders – they must have been competing at Advanced level in the season prior to entering, whilst the Exmoor Eighty is open to horses and riders who can have upgraded to Advanced in the current season so is an “introduction to Exmoor”.

The principal sponsor for the ride is Griffin NuuMed, a Somerset company famous for the high quality sheepskin numnahs and saddle pads that they produce. This will be the third year that they have been involved with Endurance riding and their “hands-on support” is much appreciated. Acorus, an Exeter based Property Management Company, joined us for the first time in 2004 and enjoyed themselves so much that they have increased their sponsorship of Horseshoe, and have extended their support into other areas of Endurance. For 2005 we are delighted to have agreed a sponsorship package with Foster-Yeoman, suppliers of foundation stone for equestrian arenas.

Alongside the competitive classes this year we will have the company of Steven and Robert Waley-Cohen, keen and talented horsemen who have lived on Exmoor all their lives. They will be attempting to ride the 160km course in aid of cancer research. To make their task a little easier they will be changing horses every 40kms, and they will be looked after by experienced endurance crews well versed in caring for horses and riders tackling this most testing countryside.

There is plenty for the non rider to enjoy at Exford. The huge Golden Horseshoe marquee contains results boards updated frequently from the reports coming in from the Raynet personnel stationed at checkpoints and the halfway vet check. The vetting area at Exford boasts a small raised seating area to watch all the action. Exciting news for 2005 is that we have secured the services of Philip Ghazala as our commentator for the event. Philip was the winner of the National competition to find the “Equestrian voice of the Year” in 2003, and last year commentated at the Alfred’s Tower FEI 160km European Rehearsal Ride. Catering is available all day in the marquee and for those in need of retail therapy there is diverse range of trade stands. For the more active, maps are available and it is possible to go out on course and watch the horses in action.

The Griffin NuuMed Golden Horseshoe 2005 runs from 22-24th May, with the ride itself taking place on Monday and Tuesday. We offer a most cordial welcome to one and all to come and enjoy this unique event. For more details of the ride please visit our website www.goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk or email Liz Hinings, chairman of the organising committee on ehinings@lineone.net