2008 Golden Horseshoe

The Golden Horseshoe is the longest running, best known and toughest ride on the endurance calendar, consisting of a 160 km (100 mile) ride over two days (80km on each day) across the most beautiful and challenging terrain which Exmoor has to offer. It is a true marathon test of both horse and rider.

There is also a Pleasure/Sponsored Ride, with sponsorship being raised for the Moorland Mousie Trust, a charity run locally for Exmoor ponies, and Moorland Mousie plan to run a team of Exmoor ponies in the sponsored ride themselves.

Competitors from the length and breadth of Britain make the pilgrimage to Exford to compete at the Horseshoe. Access to the venue is free, and we expect many locals and tourists to take the opportunity to drop in, and experience a little of the Golden Horseshoe while perusing the variety of trade stands on offer.

Next Golden Horseshoe route will go west!

Golden Horseshoe endurance riders will get a fresh look at Exmoor in 2008 with a new competition route which includes the picturesque Doone Valley and Cheriton Ridge and the tough uphill haul at Robbers Bridge.

And easy access to the moor west of the traditional Exford venue has been guaranteed by a new start and finish site which will include everything from officials to horsebox parking. The ride will take place on May 11 to 13.

Organiser Barbara Wigley, who was last year able to turn in accounts all in black, is busily negotiating access which will enable riders to see Winsford Hill, Withypool Common, Horsen Hill, Pickedstones, parts of the Tarka Trail, Cheriton Ridge, part of the Doone Valley, Robbers Bridge, Porlock Common and Wilmersham Common.

The route includes open moorland, steep climbs and descents, river crossings, and deep wooded combes. The halfway halt is at Honeymead.

"Parts of this new route have not been used for the Horseshoe for some years and we think it will attract new riders as well as our established regulars," said Mrs Wigley.

For more information and to enter the endurance ride please see The Golden Horseshoe website.

Dates

The Golden Horseshoe 11 May 2008 - 13 May 2008