SEVENOAKS RIDING CLUB

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REPORT

Following the training day with Maggie Pattinson, the England International Endurance Team Chef d’Equipe on 22^nd May,  Pam Pemberton organised another very enjoyable training experience; a ride, starting and ending at Redlands, with a view to showing something of what is entailed in Endurance (or long distance) Riding. Riders from Sevenoaks were joined by some from Lingfield and Goring, all interested to learn more about the sport. They presented their horses to the vet before setting off and had there heart rates checked on return, receiving a record of the training event. The route will be along bridle paths and quiet lanes arriving back at Redlands after approximately 2 hours and having covered about 16kms.At the end of the ride they were able to relax and enjoy a “Bring and Share” picnic.

A special Riding Club Team Endurance Event, being run by Endurance GB, is open to teams from all affiliated Riding Clubs.   Teams are invited to enter an Endurance Qualifier at an Endurance GB Ride in their local area.  The team will be asked to complete a course of between 30 and 35km (approximately 18 to 21 miles) at a speed between 8kph (approximately 5mph) and  15kph (approximately 9.5mph). A team can all ride together or separately, as they wish. The top two or three teams in each Qualifier will go forward to the Team Endurance Final at the Robin Hood Challenge Ride at Southwell Racecourse, Rolleston in Nottinghamshire, on Sunday 5 September. 

A regional qualifier will be held at Firle Park on 22^nd August. The ride is 32km (19.85miles); this distance does not require any specialist training for your horse. The ride is truly spectacular with the terrain being a mixture of open down land with long canter stretches and magnificent views, tracks and woodland. Anyone who has followed the bloodhound at Firle will know what wonderful country that is for riding.

With this in mind Pam set out to dispel a few myths about Endurance and hoping to form a team for Sevenoaks – hence the taster training ride! You do not need to ride an Arab or any particular breed or type of horse. You don’t need any special equipment or special clothes or be a map reading wizard to get started; just you, your horse. Other competitors will not gallop past you at 90mph. Your horse does not need to be plaited up or have any special tack – just a well fitting saddle and bridle. You simply need a horse that is ridden 3 / 4 times a week and a hard hat and boots. Pam can guarantee that everyone will be genuinely friendly, helpful and very courteous and you will have the ride of your life.

There is still time to become involved and be part of the squad, so if you would like to learn more ring Pam Pemberton on 07917 054 625.

Lots of information and reports from first timers who really enjoyed the Endurance experience can be found at www.rcteamevent.endurancegb.co.uk.