The ride is non-profit making, run by volunteers and exists to raise money for The Kimblewick Hunt, Macmillan Cancer Relief, The Riding for the Disabled Association, The Air Ambulance and other local charities.
When does the sponsored ride take place?
The 2011 ride will take place on Sunday 2nd October 2011.
Where does the ride take place?
The ride starts and finishes at Brightwell Park, Nr Watlington, Oxon. Click here for Streetmap, or here for Google maps. Click here to download a printable map. Much of the ride is on private land, by kind permission of Brigadier Nigel Mogg and family, and the ride start and parking are in Brightwell Baldwin village by kind permission of the Nixey family.
What is the course like?
The 12-mile course had a major makeover in 2009 and again in 2010. Those of you who have ridden with us before were delighted with the updates: many of the 60 fences had been replaced or improved and it looked fresh and very inviting. It also rides very well. The fences are approx 2’6” high, with 20 more challenging options at about 3’6”. They are all well constructed and include rails, hedges, water, ditches, banks, impressive tree trunks and several combinations. All fences are optional and there is a short cut if your horse gets tired. The route is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, passing over grass, woodland, arable and tracks. It is mostly on private land and there are some exceptional views. It’s an event not to be missed!
It’s a day to thoroughly enjoy for you, your horse and your friends.
There is extensive field parking and if the weather is wet we have tractors and drivers to help you move your vehicle. We have a photographer, a caterer and a tackshop on site in case you forget something vital!
How much does it cost to enter?
There is an £18 non-returnable deposit for each rider which includes paramedic cover. In addition each rider must raise a minimum of £15 sponsorship (or sponsor themselves for a minimum of £15) and all sponsorship monies must be paid on the day, in cash or by cheque with valid bank card. We cannot accept credit or debit cards.
How do I enter?
You can either enter online from the Entry page, and pay by PayPal or credit/debit card, or if you’d prefer to pay by cheque, you can download and print off an entry form (Adobe Acrobat PDF, again from the Entry page). In each case, when we receive your non-returnable £18 entry fee you will be sent a ride number and a start time.
Entries close Wednesday 28th September.
How long does the ride take to complete?
It takes approximately 2.5/3hrs hours but it depends on the individual pace you set. Some people will walk round the entire course and take considerably longer. There is a short cut if you or your horse get tired - ask a steward for advice. This reduces the course by approx three miles.
Can I ride in a group?
Yes, but please send all your entries together to the secretary stating clearly that you wish to be grouped together. However, a maximum of four riders only may start together. If your group is larger, we will start you as close together as possible.
Can I request a specific start time?
Times are allocated in order of receipt of entries, early times are very popular and are quickly filled. If you want to ride at a specific time, please request it and the secretary will do her best to meet it. However, we cannot guarantee to satisfy every requested time.
Please arrive promptly as it may be difficult to fit you in at another time if you miss your own.
The first riders set off at 9.30am and the last usually around 2.00pm.
Will I be able to park near the start of the ride?
You will be directed to a parking place by stewards. Parking is very close to the start of the course, the secretary’s tent, toilets and refreshments.
What if I am transporting more than one load of horses?
We will try to give you morning and afternoon ride times to give you time to return with your second load. Please make this clear on your entry form.
Will there be a photographer present?
Yes. The photography this year is by Ultimate Images
Will there be a vet present?
There will be a vet and a horse ambulance available for emergencies.
Will there be a farrier present?
We are sorry but there will not be a farrier.
Will I get a rosette?
Rosettes will be awarded to all riders completing the course:
Gold: awarded to riders completing the distance and jumping all the fences including the bonus options
Silver: awarded to riders completing the distance and jumping more than 20 fences
Bronze: awarded for completing the distance and jumping fewer than 20 fences.
An exclusive rosette will be awarded to any rider raising more than £20 in sponsorship.
Are there any prizes?
Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the junior and senior rider raising the most sponsorship money.
I still have questions
If you have any further questions, please send an e-mail to the Secretary at secretary@sosr.org.uk