So you have now decided to take the plunge and enter a ride, how do you do that?
First of all you select your ride – a complete list of all EGB rides can be found on the Ride Schedule page. By using the map option you can quickly see where your nearest one is and when it is on – you also need to check that it is open for entries by making sure it is after the opening date (if present). If you are entering after the close date then you may have to pay an additional late entry fee which is applicable to Competitive classes but not to NCRs.
If you are a not a member of EGB then you may enter an NCR class or you can register with the TBYB scheme and enter a novice competitive class of up to 40km or you could ride a registered horse belonging to a friend in a novice class (max 40kms) whichever option you choose you will have to pay Temporary Day Membership rates for the class you wish to enter.
Once you select your ride the next decision is to enter online or by post!
If the selected ride accepts online entries, there will be a button on the ride schedule to link you to that option, otherwise you will need to download an ride entry form.
If you have a LOGON for the EGB system then use it before entering the ride and all your details will be displayed, if you haven't then you will need to complete your details and your horse details and the class you wish to enter. The information will be checked and stored so that next time you can call it up using the reference number displayed. You can pay for the class and any additional charges using either your credit or debit card.
If you do not wish to enter online, print the ride entry form, complete and sign the form, then send it, with a cheque covering the entry fee and any additional charges with a SAE (at least A5) to the Ride Secretary as shown in the Ride schedule. If you have a query with the form, contact the Ride Secretary or Organiser for information and help.
About a week before the ride date you should receive from the Ride Secretary all your ride information. This consists of a ride map showing the route of the ride, ride information showing how to find the Venue, any particular things to be aware of and of course your vet time. A vet sheet will also be included and a crew card.
Before leaving for the ride, complete the top part of the vet sheet, write your rider number in your crew card (and put it on your vehicle dashboard). Check your map and read the ride information!
Try to arrive at the Venue at least 45minutes before your Vet time so that you can check in with the Secretary and collect your bib – if you are not an EGB member you may have to leave a deposit for the bib with the Secretary. Check the ride map for any changes, then unload your horse, walk it around to relax. Then with your horse (in a bridle or a head collar) and your vet sheet go to the farrier for the shoes to be checked, then to the Vet. If you are doing an NCR then you will be asked to trot your horse away and back so they can check for soundness. If you are competing then the horse will be checked as described in Vetting.
After passing the vetting, tack your horse up, make sure you have your hat on and your bib, ride over to the starter, give your number, the starter will give you the time and away you go – enjoy your ride!
On your return, you must present for vetting within 30minutes of your return.
Non Competitive Rides (NCRs)
sometimes called training, pleasure or social rides may be of distances up to 40 km. Open to non-members these rides must be completed at between 8 km/hr and 12 km/hr. When run in conjunction with competitive rides, horses must be trotted up before starting and again within 30 minutes of finishing.
Competitive Rides (CRs)
are usually between 30-80 km, though longer rides and multi day rides are also be on the calendar. Speeds vary between 8-18 km/hr with restrictions on higher speeds for novice horses and lower speeds for more advanced combinations. There are veterinary inspections before the start and at the end of the ride and, for rides of 55km and above, also at halfway. Horses must comply with set veterinary parameters to successfully complete the ride, and may be eliminated at the final veterinary inspection if, in the opinion of the veterinary panel, they are not fit to continue. Grades (from 1 to 4 and Completion) are awarded dependent upon passing the vet inspections, finishing within the appropriate speed parameters and upon the horse’s final heart rate. Non members can only ride in competitive rides if they have the loan of an EGB registered horse, or are part of a British Riding Club Team, or a member of the Pony Club or are registered with the TryBeforeYouBuy scheme. Non members are restricted to a maximum distance of 40kms and can only compete at novice level.
Endurance Rides (ERs)
are only for advanced horse and rider combinations. They are the hardest test for both. All FEI and International competitions are ERs and there are many ERs on the national calendar too. They usually begin with a mass start, and the riders aim to cover the distance as fast as they can, taking into account the terrain and welfare of their horse. During the Ride the rider will be required to present their horse to the vet at various set intervals to be checked as fit to continue. Following this are rest periods called "holds" where the horse and rider can eat and take a breather before continuing. Many riders’ ultimate goal is the successful completion of an Endurance Ride. These vary from 80–160 km in a day or longer over several days.
