The ride is non-profit making, run by volunteers and exists to raise money for charities.
When does the sponsored ride take place?
The 2010 ride will take place on Sunday 3rd October 2010.
Where does the ride take place?
The ride takes place at Brightwell Park, Nr Watlington, Oxon. Click here for Multimap, or here for Google maps. There is also a printable map on the downloads page. 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 course is 12 miles long, has two road crossings and includes 60 cross country fences with a maximum height 2'6". 20 of the fences have bigger or more difficult bonus options for the more advanced rider. (Maximum height 3'6"). The course passes over woodland tracks, well-maintained turf, arable land and tracks through the Chilterns in an area of outstanding natural beauty. All the fences are optional and there are no time penalties.
Overtaking is permitted throughout the ride and slower riders are requested to let faster riders pass them if they are asked to do so. There are four checkpoints during the course, at which riders must stop to have their ride cards validated. You will not be able to ride without a number card & score card.
Every entered rider is required to inspect the course and fences thoroughly before riding. It should be noted that the majority of the course is run over private land and access for inspection is from 2pm on Saturday 2nd October 2010, and from 9am on Sunday 3rd.
Full equipment, tractors and other vehicles for lorry and horsebox removal will be available if the weather is wet.
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?
The ride is usually over-subscribed so please enter early if you wish to be sure of a place. Entries close Wednesday 29th September, or earlier if the ride is full.
To enter, download and print off an entry form (Adobe Acrobat PDF, from the downloads page). Please send your completed entry form with your non-returnable deposit of £18 and a large SAE to the Secretary at the address on the entry form. You will be sent a ride number and a start time.
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 which will be marked on the day, if you or your horse get tired. 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.
There is a collecting ring with a practice jump at the start of the course. Please arrive in the collecting ring 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. Entries are closed when a certain number of entries have been received - not when there are no more start times left. The total number of riders permitted is variable year on year and depends on the anticipated state of the ground and local weather conditions.
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 & 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.
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 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