Golden Horseshoe Ride

The Golden Horseshoe is the longest running and toughest endurance horse riding event in Britain. For the competitive riders there are four different classes - 50 miles in one day, 50 or 75 miles over two days, and the ultimate Golden Horseshoe Ride itself, of 100 miles over two days. Locals and visitors can enter the Horseshoe Pleasure Ride - a choice of 10 or 15 miles, with the option of raising sponsorship for the nominated charity.

First held in 1965 over just 50 miles, the Golden Horseshoe was the first long distance ride to take place in the United Kingdom. There have been many changes in endurance riding since those days and this has been reflected in the classes that are offered today. The aim of the Organising Committee is to provide the riders with an achievable challenge in all classes. The Golden Horseshoe, the Exmoor Stag and the 40/40km class, which is back by popular demand and renamed the Exmoor Experience - all these will be run over two days on Monday and Tuesday 14th and 15th May with preliminary vetting on Sunday afternoon 13th May. However, the Exmoor Eighty will be a one-day format as in 2006, and will be held on Tuesday 15th May, with preliminary vetting on the Monday afternoon.

The Golden Horseshoe Ride - Celebration Cake

The Golden Horseshoe Ride - Tarr Steps

The Golden Horseshoe Ride - Landacre Bridge

The Golden Horseshoe Ride

As last year, there will be a Sponsored Pleasure Ride in aid of the Moorland Mousie Trust on Sunday morning 13th May, before the preliminary vetting for the main classes. This additional class (limited to 100 entries) is open to both Endurance GB members and local riders, and we hope that many will take the opportunity to experience the special atmosphere of the Golden Horseshoe event by entering this class.

The Golden Horseshoe Ride

The Golden Horseshoe Ride

When the Golden Horseshoe Ride began back in 1965, it took place over Exmoor and was just 50 miles long. It moved to other venues and was held over different distances, but it has retained a base in Exford since it returned to Exmoor in 1974. While the location hasn't changed for over 35yrs, the ride has continued to innovate and evolve, including the comparatively recent addition of the 50-mile Exmoor Experience, which runs over two days. The organisers hope this class will boost entries for the gruelling 100-mile ride in years to come. “The 100-mile, or officially 160k, Golden Horseshoe itself is tough. Only very good riders and horses can contemplate that distance over Exmoor, which is one of the most demanding terrains in the country.

The modern Golden Horseshoe Ride also includes the Exmoor Stag class (75 miles over two days) and the Exmoor 80 (50 miles in one day). Medals are won on speed over the course - 7.5 miles an hour or over for Gold, 6.5 for Silver and six for Bronze. Penalties are given for high heart rate — and all through the day, vets are watching for lameness or any problem at all which affects the welfare of the horse.

See also: Official Golden Horseshoe Ride

Contributed by: Liz Hinings, Jill Peters