Another year and another venue – and this time it will probably all be seen on television.
We have just heard that the Sunday morning BBC television programme Countryfile will probably be bringing cameras along to the event. Their reporter Adam Henson (without any arm twisting at all) has accepted our invitation to compete.
And he is taking things seriously. At the moment, plans are that he will come here to Exmoor to get used to the horse we have found for him, Welsh Cob Windsor, who used to be owned by endurance rider Margaret Barron, and now belongs to Lucy Allison, and to start a rigorous training programme. Obviously, I am not turning him loose – my daughter, Nic, will be escorting him and we are finding him the most experienced crew that is not already spoken for.
Adam is evidently an experienced rider, but has not subjected himself to this long in the saddle before. Interesting……
Another piece of good news. Lucy Higginson, the editor of Horse and Hound, has also accepted our invitation to ride one of the Horseshoe sections on the second day. We will be finding her a horse and Barbara Jeffery, wife of our press officer, will be escorting her. Barbara took part in the 1970s and has kept in touch with the Golden Horseshoe ever since.
We were very sad to say goodbye to Fred & Vivienne Westcott’s lovely field, with its wonderful views, and proximity to the village of Exford. However, the move up to the Show Field will take us just over a mile outside the village, and will enable us to cater for everything on site, including parking. It has the added bonus that there are no steep climbs straight out of the venue, as we are already at moorland level.
Our route has been sanctioned by Exmoor National Park Authority, and with the exception of some minor alterations that may be necessary after I have checked the remaining few miles, it is complete. There is plenty of moorland, several river crossings, and some excellent crewing spots.
This year, our Sunday programme will be putting the spotlight on Arabians on Exmoor.
We have confirmation that two Arabian studs will be present – Beth Horstmann from Court Farm Arabians will be bringing along her black stallion, and some of his wives, together with some youngstock.
Roheys Thomas-Everard from Broford Stud, breeder of well-known endurance horses Dacoit, Yamavar, and Lesley Caswell’s Archimedes, will also be showing some of her horses.
We are hopeful that we will have yet a third stud represented, and will keep you up to date with any news of this.
If you are considering purchasing a youngster, or breeding from your mare, or you just want to see some beautiful Arabians, don’t miss our Sunday morning displays.
The Dog Agility display will be back, with a chance for spectators to ‘Have a go’ with their own pet.
Our two charities which will benefit from the sponsored ride classes – the Moorland Mousie Trust, and the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, will each have stands so you can learn more about their work, and how your sponsorship money will be used.
Also, with more space, we will be endeavouring to attract a larger variety of trade stands to enable you to spend your money more easily.
We (the organising committee) are keeping all our fingers and toes crossed for some good weather this year, but whatever the elements throw at us, you can be assured of a warm welcome at the Exmoor Golden Horseshoe Ride 2008.
