Download a copy of the 2010 Schedule for the competitive rides as a Word document here (simply click on the blue text). Alternatively, a .pdf file may also be downloaded.
As usual, the Horseshoe OC likes to do things differently, so our fundraiser is not a Sponsored Ride. Instead it is a Sponsored Walk! Over the weekend of 17th/18th April, you can walk half of this year's Golden Horseshoe Ride route, accompanied by a guide. Entry fee is £10 and you will need to gain a minimum of £15 sponsorship to take part. Approximately 12/13 miles will be covered on each day, with refreshments provided en route. Take this opportunity to:
** Check out this year's course
** Get yourself fit
** See the fabulous views you don't have time to appreciate when competing
Many of you will remember Jenny Vesey competing in last year's Trail Run together with her husband Richard as a relay team. For the next two days, she also rode in the Exmoor Experience class, gaining a Gold Award. It was a shock to hear that less than three months later, she was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia and sadly she died in September. We felt that it would be fitting to raise money for Leukaemia Research at the Golden Horseshoe Trail Run. Although it is not compulsory, we hope that you will consider supporting this cause. A sponsorship form is available.
If there are sufficient people wishing to do the run as a 'two-person relay', an additional class will be included. If there are only a few, there will be special awards, rather than placings. Anyone planning on running as part of a relay must enter at the full price (this includes their insurance) and entries should be sent with the name of their partner at the top of the page (i.e. each runner must submit a form and fee).
MAPS (all classes)
A .pdf map of the route is now available as a download - however, it should be noted that there may be minor changes over the next couple of months. The full 80km route is in blue, the 40km cut-off is in red, the PR and Trail Run map will be available shortly, following some necessary re-routing!! Please note that the Competitive Classes ride the route clockwise on Day 1 and anti-clockwise on Day 2.
In addition to the .pdf file of the 2010 route, for those of you who have the Memory Map program or a GPS device, here are some alternative map files.
The .gpx files can also be imported to Google Earth, Google Maps and other mapping software so are more universally friendly than the .mmo files which can just be used by Memory Maps users (but please don't contact either the Ride Organiser or Entries Secretary for further info on this technology!!)
If you have a problem with downloading any of the entry forms/schedules, please send a stamped addressed envelope to the Entries Secretary whose contact details are shown on the schedule information and on the Contacts page of this website.
Please note the following:
Crew: All competitors must have their own crew who is: over 17, named on the entry form, in their own vehicle (one vehicle only per competitor) and able to arrange collection of the horse from the course if necessary.
Start times: are drawn randomly, except for in the Exmoor Experience, where two competitors may ask to be given consecutive start times. This request must be made on the entry form at the time of entering.
Junior riders: until they reach their 13th birthday, must be accompanied by a nominated adult. The junior will have the same start time as the adult, who may not also request a consecutive start time with another rider. In the event that the accompanying adult has to withdraw on course, the junior must also withdraw unless another competitor agrees to accompany the junior. In this case, the crew of the junior must have the new adult sign the accompanying form and hand it in at the next official check point. This is the responsibility of the junior rider’s crew.
Riding times: Your riding time starts at your allocated start time, even if you choose to wait to start with the next rider.
Start/Finish: Riders must be mounted to cross the start and finish line on each day, and your riding time stops as you cross the line each day.
Half way vetting: on the 80km route is run as follows each day – your riding time stops as you reach the timekeeper at the half way venue. You will be at the half way venue for a total of 50 minutes, during which time you must successfully present for vetting within 20 minutes of arrival. You are allowed one re-presentation within 20 minutes of arrival if required, for pulse only.
Riding speed: is calculated each day from the riding time that day.
Minimum speed required is 9.5kph each day. 12kph or over – Gold speed;
Silver –10.5 kph or over; Bronze – 9.5 kph or over .
Final vetting on each day: you must successfully present to the vet within 30 minutes of crossing the finish line. No re-presentation is allowed, and penalty points are awarded on the first heart rate taken at this vetting – heart rate of 55 or below – no penalty; heart rate of 56 – 64 – 1 penalty; heart rate of 65 or above – elimination.
Horses competing over two days must stable overnight on completion of Day 2 if their travel time to return home is more than 2 hours. If your travel time is marginally above two hours and you wish to travel home at the end of Day 2, or there is some other reason for travelling, this must be discussed with the veterinary team at the final vetting.
Finally, under the Information page in the notes From the Ride Organiser you will find some helpful hints on preparation for riding at Horseshoe and an interesting article by June West on her experiences there!
