Island Life Magazine Ltd June/July 2014 | Page 72

EQUESTRIAN Island riders rise to endurance challenge T he first official Endurance GB Ride on the Island for seven years provided an opportunity for the local horse riders to try something different. Most equestrian sports on the Island centre on show Jumping, dressage and showing and this introduced another discipline into the mix. There were several route choices over the three days from 10km to 105km and a combination of 19 classes and five route choices. The maximum route distance was 40km but loop combinations were available to those who wanted to do the longer mileage. The ride was organised by Karen 72 www.visitilife.com was Liz Whiteley who completed 80km Whittington and the ride routes took the over the two days at an average speed of competitors from Lake Farm in Rookley 14km per hour. to Godshill Park and originally over Two Island riders also managed to ride Stenbury Down into Whitwell through out on all three days, Debbie Morse and Niton; over St Catherine’s Down to her horse Orians Cherry and Andrea Chale/Kingston, Chillerton Down and Gosmark who rode three different Gatcombe. Due to the excessive amount horses over the weekend. This was their of rain during the Friday rides it was first introduction to endurance and agreed to re-route the rides the following days away from Stenbury. Two riders were brave enough to enter the 105km Prizes: Wight Challenge and only one managed to complete red by Obertam the distance in an average Three Fleece Rugs sponso with Ride the Wight speed of 8.79km per hour. Equestrian embroidered i ley riding CS Khamsir The best combination result 2014 - Elizabeth Ellers da Lin ys; da two r ove who completed 105km who completed 80km re no Eli G ing rid Brown days class 2; Elizabeth accumulated over two who rode 80km over two Whitley riding Merlyn days Class 4 and 21. nsored by Obertam Two Saddle Cloths spo with Ride the Wight Equestrian embroidered a, riding Perowne Cha Ch 2014 - Caroline Cooper y 32km: Martin Voysey best result over one da y reserve class 2, two-da riding Duchy Mimosa 80km. Funky Feat Beads: Vouchers sponsored by weekend, Kate Curry Best Shod Horse over the who rode all three days and Doyenne; the rider r horse Orians Cherry; - Debbie Morse and he two-day Novice Rider. Mark Nethercott, best