The First Time (or What’s it all about?*!)
So you have heard about this ride called Boconnoc and found us on the web - but have absolutely no idea what’s it all about! Or perhaps you just fancy a change from riding round the lanes at home?
- What exactly does this ‘endurance’ riding entail?
In the case of the Boconnoc Ride, this is a super opportunity to ride around a beautiful private Estate in East Cornwall, not normally open to the public. You follow a marked route with manned checkpoints along a continuous open trail (with gates opened for you!) with spectacular scenery and wide variety of terrain.
- What can I enter?
Even if you are not a member/Associate of Endurance GB, you can enter any Non Competitive Rides (NCRs) – often referred to as Pleasure Rides. At Boconnoc this year we now have 2 NCRs, approximately 10 miles and 20 miles respectively.
All distances are described in Kilometres, so Class 9 would be 16kms and Class 10, 32kms.
- Can I come with friends?
Yes, but the Timekeepers (Start/Finish) usually restrict groups to a maximum of 4 riders leaving the Start together. Each rider is given a specific time to Start, which is 30 minutes after seeing the Vet. If you want to be all together then make sure you let the Ride Organiser/Secretary know, when you send in your entries.
- What about my daughter/son – can they come?
Yes, we welcome junior riders from the age of 8 up to 13 years (age determined on their birthday) but they must be accompanied by a nominated mounted adult (either a parent or someone organised by their parents). At Boconnoc the rules ask for 14 & 15 years olds either to ride together or with a nominated mounted adult (either a parent or someone organised by their parents), especially if this is their first ride.
- Are we fit enough – it seems a long way?
If you have a healthy, sound horse with trimmed or recently shod feet, ride regularly 2 to 3 times a week for a good hour and feel confident to walk, trot and canter with friends, then Class 9 (16kms) should be just the ticket.
However if you ride a bit more regularly and enjoy a weekend ride of 2 hours or more, then a sound horse will probably be able to cope with Class 10 (32kms).
- Are there any time limits?
Yes. You will need to ride the route within a specific time, so Class 9 (16kms) maximum time allowance is 2 hours and the minimum time allowance is 1 hour 20 minutes (that’s between 8 – 12 kph). All time allowances are supplied on your Ride Instructions, but more about those later.
And remember, you still have plenty of time to get you and your horse a bit fitter!
- Do we need any special equipment?
No, except a Riding Hat that conforms to PAS015, BSEN1384, EN1384 or ASTM/SEI which must be worn at all times when mounted and properly secured. No spurs and no whips longer than 75 cms are allowed. Comfortable clothing (long sleeved top and jodhpurs plus waterproof/s) and spares just in case you get wet! Sensible footwear with proper heels (NO wellies!) and of course, all the equipment for your horse – saddle, bridle, travelling boots, rug/s, water to clean and water for your horse to drink, nice feed/haynet for afterwards etc.
‘Prep for Emergencies’
If you have a mobile phone, please carry it (but not for gossiping on route!) but it might be a good idea to key in the Emergency Tel No. beforehand. If you have any medical conditions/allergies, please make sure you have some information on your person so should an accident happen, the Paramedic etc. can make sure you have the right care. A few First Aid items for your horse are a good idea and I always carry a collapsible hoof pick and a bandage (or wear an old fashioned stock) just in case.
If you are now thinking you and your horse are, or should be fit enough to try Class 10 32kms (20 miles) then it would be a good idea to have someone to help you – your ‘Crew’.
Crews are ‘special’ people who look after your horse, and you; know where everything is when you are in a hurry or tired; are insured and can drive your vehicle; they are happy to meet you out on course to give you sustenance, will cheer you on and generally help you and your horse at the Venue.
- Well, the horse is probably fit enough so I think I will give it a go! How do I enter?
Go to www.boconnocride.co.uk and click on Contacts & Entries which will lead you to Endurance GB (more info there too!) where you can download an Entry Form. Then follow the instructions and complete the form – please don’t forget to sign it!
Post the completed Entry Form to the Ride Secretary with your cheque made out to Endurance GB, along with a stamped addressed A4 envelope – that’s a large letter nowadays and needs a big 48p stamp on it. (Yes, I know you know that, but you would be surprised how many people forget and then don’t get their Ride Instructions back or have to pay Post Office surcharge!!)
NB – Don’t forget to book the Farrier so he trims or shoes the horse shortly before the ride.
- Then what happens?
About 10 days or so before the Ride Day, you will receive the Ride Instructions in your envelope which includes all the ride details plus Venue Map, Vet Sheet, Vetting & Start Times, Crew Card, Route Map and a written Route Description.
Find a nice quiet spot and study it carefully!
- Where is it going to be held – How do I get there?
Look at the Ride Instructions to see how to get to the Venue. Then study the Venue Map to work out where everything is – such as the Car Park, the Secretary, the Vetting and the Start where the Timekeepers are stationed.
- What time do I have to go to see the Vet?
(see top of your Ride Instructions)
Now study the Route Map – if you have an Ordinance Survey Map 1:2500 you can see even more detail of the area –
- Where are the Checkpoints?
- Can my crew meet me there?
- Where is there a possibility of giving my horse a drink?
- Do we cross any water and if so, is my horse good at that because if he isn’t, you still have a few days to practise!
All this time spent looking at your Ride Instructions will pay off, leaving you less stressed when you arrive and you will certainly enjoy your day much more!
- Okay I’ve entered, got my pack and now I am coming – now what?
As the ride is on Sunday, it’s best to prepare and pack the car up on Saturday if possible. Then all you have to do on ‘The Day’ is have a good breakfast, load up your horse and head for the Venue (and now you know where that is!). Allow a minimum of half an hour before your Vetting time then you can arrive relaxed, but ready to go!
Park as directed and unless you have a Crew, leave your horse in the trailer while you pop up to the Secretary’s caravan to say you have arrived. You can unload later when you get back. Collect your number bib (don’t forget the £2 deposit which all goes to Charity, unless you want it back) and Emergency Labels – stick one on yourself somewhere and one for the horse/saddle, just in case!
Please look at the Noticeboard - in case the Route has changed or there is additional important information.
As you have left with plenty of time to spare, you can now check out where the Start is, where the Vetting takes place, find the Farrier and the catering van (very important for the crew too!). Don’t forget to put your Number Bib on!
All sussed - so go back to your horse and get ready to see the Farrier and the Vet – bridle on and nice clean legs please (you may need a rug over the horse’s quarters if the weather is awful to keep him warm whilst waiting). If there isn’t a very long queue go and see the Farrier first. He will check your horse’s feet and see they are fit for purpose. Unfortunately he is not really there to shoe your horse except in emergencies.
Then go to the Vetting area and report to the Steward. The Vet will ask you to trot your horse up to the cone, walk around it and then trot back – preferably in a straight line and not hanging onto his head for dear life! (Might be worth practising this at home – sometimes it is not as easy as it sounds!)
- We’ve passed (hurrah!), so what do we do next?
As you know where the Start is (of course!), just finish tacking up and get mounted. Then head for the Timekeepers. You should still have time to spare, so do a bit of trotting in the warm up area near the Start. You know the time to Start, so go to the Timekeeper and when they say it’s okay, you’re off!
[Crew waves you off and pops back to the car via the catering van for that cup of ? and then drives off to the first Crewing Point – taking care to avoid riders on the way out!]
Most endurance riders are a friendly bunch and are only too happy to help, so don’t be afraid to ask if you get lost and there is always someone on foot nearby. We hope you have a lovely ride and enjoy the views!!!
When you come to a Checkpoint, look for the Steward (with a large number in or near their vehicle) and call out your Bib Number. If you have any problems, or come across any along the way, please let them know, and they can arrange help.
At the same time some of the Checkpoints are also Crewing Points, so you can both stop see your Crew, have a drink or something to snack on before setting off again.
Finally return to the Venue and cross over the Finish line where hopefully your Crew will be waiting (with rug for horse and coat for you if cold and wet). If you are on your own, jump off and collect your card from the Timekeepers. You will see on the card exactly when you got back and how long you took, and how long you have before you must go and present your horse to the Vet (usually 30 minutes). You can go early but not later!
So wash the mud off the horse and walk him gently around to cool down and relax. When you feel he’s calm and ready, go and report to the Vet Steward and you will be asked to trot up again as you did before you started. If the Vet says your horse is alright – Hurray!
You and your horse have successfully completed your first Endurance Ride!
First, make your horse comfortable and secure, then why not warm up with something nice from the Caterers before going to collect your rosette from the Secretary – it takes about ½ hour to process all the paperwork. You might see some of the more experienced riders completing their class or watch the horses being vetted whilst waiting.
Hopefully you can now collect your well deserved rosette - Well done!
Fancy doing it again?*!
If you have really got the ‘bug’ and wish to join let the Ride Organiser know as she may be able to help you join on the day (with a 'special' letter of introduction). Alternatively, why not visit Endurance GB (South West) for a list of all the rides in 2008 – most of which have NCRs too!