24th March 2009
Cheshire Endurance GB held its first 'Explore Endurance' day at Cheshire Riding School, Comberbach, on Sunday 22 February.
More than 30 participants, of all ages, enjoyed the full day which aimed to provide riders an insight into endurance - a form of long distance riding.
The day was jointly funded by British Equestrian Federation (BEF) Club and Coach Funding working in partnership with Cheshire Endurance GB - in an effort to increase participation in the sport. It was the first of its kind for the region.
Participants got to view a mix of presentations to help get them started in endurance, together with advice on horse care including; feeding shoeing, training and competition. There were also practical sessions which included a mock endurance ride and demonstration of the veterinary examinations which each horse has to pass at the beginning and end of rides, and at approx 20ml intervals at longer events, to make sure the horses are fit to continue.
Tricia Hirst an elite endurance rider from Team GB and one of the speakers, commented on the value of the day; "I took up the sport up fairly late in life after attending an information day on endurance riding similar to 'Explore Endurance' - and the rest is now history!"
Sonia Birch, North West Regional Development Co-ordinator, BEF, said: "It was excellent to see that endurance riding is open to all levels of rider ability and horse ability. Cheshire Endurance GB made a great effort to make everyone feel welcome and the structure of the day encouraged all participants to take part and try their hand at the sport.
"Everyone who took part is now associate members of Cheshire GB Endurance and will receive regular newsletter updates on where in the region endurance rides are available. Plus there is the support of the Cheshire Endurance Group now in place should participants need any help or advice on progressing with their endurance riding.
"I would like to thanks Liz Finney and all of her team who volunteered from Cheshire Endurance GB and beyond who put on this really informative, enjoyable and inspiring day."
It is hoped that the Explore Endurance day will now being used as a model for other regions to help promote the sport.
Cheshire Endurance GB will also be holding a number of pleasure rides during spring and summer where people can go and try the sport.
For more information visit the Cheshire Endurance Group www.endurancegbcheshire.co.uk or call Liz Finney, Chairman of the Group on 01565 633310
