Racing Finish for Top South West Endurance Riders
Friday, May 26, 2006
Over 100 riders came to the beautiful Boconnoc Estate in Cornwall on Sunday 7th May to take part in one of the premiere rides on the Endurance GB calendar. In only it's second year this South West ride has gained an excellent reputation due to the spectacular surroundings and good riding country.
This year the ride was chosen as the venue for the first leg of the inter-branch competition between the Wessex and South West Endurance Groups for the coveted Morris Trophy. In 2005 the Wessex team won the trophy but in this first event of 2006 the South West team were victorious. The second leg will take place at a Wessex ride later this year and the team with the most cumulative points in total will win.
As well as the team event, riders competed in seven different classes from the 80km race ride to distances of 64km, 50km or 34km including a 34km pleasure ride for horses and riders to enjoy a first taste of endurance without time restrictions.
The winner of the competitive 80km race ride was Lorna Kidson from Buckinghamshire. Lorna commented, "It has been great day and amazing weather! This is the first race ride for this little horse, Al Mubader and he seemed to like the course." Al Mubader completed the ride with an average speed of 16.32kmh and is owned by Andrew Peters from Bridport in Dorset with training by Nellie George. Boconnoc owner Anthony Fortescue presented Lorna with prizes from Woof Wear and the striking Boconnoc Bowl turned from wood found on the estate.
Attracted by the good going and breathtaking views several international riders attended the event including Jane James, Jill Thomas, Rachael Claridge and the winner of the Arab Marathon, Jo Chisholm.
Ride Organiser, Mrs Veryan Barneby said, "The ride went extremely well and we were blessed with perfect weather. Thanks go to the great team of helpers and especially Boconnoc owners Mr & Mrs Fortescue, our sponsors Woof Wear and all the local farmers for the use of their land."
Competition winners
(photograph by Mr V Barneby)
