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 nearly all off road (with gates opened for you!) passing through manned checkpoints. There is spectacular scenery and wide variety of terrains.
- 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. Anyone in the Pony Club is most welcome - they now have a competition of their own - ask the Ride Organiser for details.
- 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, 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 along with a collapsible hoof pick and a bandage (or wear an old fashioned stock).
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; they should know where everything is when you are in a hurry or tired; they should be insured to 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.
- I think my horse is probably fit enough so how do we 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 and the right postage. (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 can my horse have a drink?
- Do we cross any water and if so, can my horse cross water because if he's unsure, 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 the day much more!
- I’ve entered, got my pack and we are 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. Allow a minimum of half an hour before your Vetting time to 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. If you are a new member don't forget your log book and £2 bib deposit. Collect your number bib and Emergency tags – one for you 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!
Get your horse 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 - he will not shoe your horse except in an emergency.
Vetting - report to the Steward. The Vet will ask you to trot your horse up to the cone, walk around it and then trot back in a straight line in control (worth practising at home!)
- What do we do next?
Finish tacking up and get mounted. Ride up to the Timekeepers/Start. With time to spare, a bit of trotting in the warm up area near the Start is good. When the time comes to Start, go to the Timekeeper/s 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.
Some of the Checkpoints are also Crewing Points, so you can stop and meet your Crew, have a snack/drink and give your horse some too.
Finally you will come back to the Venue, over the Finish line where your Crew should 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!
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 – 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 other horses being vetted whilst waiting.
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 2009 – most of which have NCRs too! An Associate Member pays Members rates for all the local Training Rides - ask the Secretary or Ride Organiser for details while you are there.