GOLDEN HORSESHOE SPECIAL RULES - 2024
These rules only apply at the Golden Horseshoe Ride and are not applicable to any other Endurance GB Ride.
Entering any class at the Golden Horseshoe constitutes implicit acceptance of these rules in addition to standard EGB rules.
1) Crew: Classes 3, 4 and 5 - All competitors must have their own crew who is: over 17, named on the entry form, (max one vehicle only per competitor) and able to arrange collection of the horse from the course if necessary. Riders in Classes 1, 6, 7 and 8 must have designated crew, but these may be shared provided that arrangements are in place in the event of the riders become separated on course. NB No horse boxes/vans of any size (not even 3.5 t) may be used to crew at the GHR. Classes 2 and 9 are not required to have crew, but are allowed and are strongly encouraged.
2) Junior riders, (all classes) until they reach their 13th birthday, must be accompanied by a nominated adult, who has been nominated by the child’s parent or legal guardian, which must be done on the Parental Consent Form which must be lodged with the Ride Secretary on declaration. The nominated escort should be noted on the junior rider’s entry form. The junior will have the same start time as the adult. In the event that the accompanying adult has to withdraw on course, the junior must also withdraw unless the child’s parent or legal guardian has nominated a second escort on the entry form and filled in a second Parental Consent form, also to be left with the Ride Secretary, and this second nominated adult is also riding with the Junior rider. Parental consent form download here
The Organiser has the right to raise the age requirement for escorts in adverse weather conditions.
3) Pre-ride vetting for Classes 3 and 4 will be on Friday afternoon and must attend the pre-ride briefing on Friday evening. Class 5 will be vetted on Saturday afternoon and must attend the pre-ride briefing on Saturday evening. Class 6 will be vetted on Saturday morning but riders are encouraged to attend the pre-ride briefing on Friday evening. All other classes will be vetted on the morning of their ride.
4) Start times: Competitors in the same class may ask to be given consecutive start times. This request must be made on the entry form at the time of entering. All riders in classes 3, 4 and 5 will be started individually.
5) Maps: Maps of the route MUST be carried.
6) Start/Finish: Riders must be mounted to cross the start and finish line on each day.
7) Riding times: Your riding time starts at your allocated start time, even if you choose to wait to start with the next rider.
8) Half way vetting /overnight hold Vet gate procedure for Classes 1, 3, 4, 5 and 6 will be run as follows each day – your riding time stops as you reach the timekeeper at the half way point or overnight hold. You have up to 20 minutes to present to the vet, and at halfway for the 80k routes you will be at the vet gate for a total of 50 minutes (which includes your (up to) 20 minutes for presentation to the vet). You are allowed one re-presentation within 20 minutes of arrival if required, for pulse only (this includes overnight holds).
9) Penalties for Heart Rates. Applied at the finish of class and at overnight holds (i.e. each day). Penalties for heart rate of 58 or below – no penalty; heart rate of 59 – 64 – 1 penalty; heart rate of 65 or above – elimination. A penalty will drop the award (as per rule 10 below) given to the next lower level.
10) Riding speed is calculated each day from the riding time that day. Minimum speed required for all Open/Advanced classes is 9 kph each day; for the Novice class it is 8kph. 12kph or over – Gold speed; 10.5kph – 11.9 kph – Silver speed; 9.5kph – 10.4kph – Bronze speed; 9.0 to 9.4 kph Completion, Below 9 kph – Elimination (Below 8kph for Novice Riders). Pleasure Riders have no minimum speed but should aim for around 8kph. Maximum speeds for all classes are as per Endurance GB rules for your class.
11) Final vettings. You must successfully present to the vet within 30 minutes of crossing the finish line. No re-presentation is allowed, and penalty points are awarded on the first heart rate taken at this vetting (as per rule 9).
12) Gate allowance. To be advised.
13) Overnight Stabling Horses in Class 3 must stable/corral overnight on completion of Day 2 if their travel time to return home is more than 2 hours. If your travel time is marginally above two hours and you wish to travel home at the end of Day 2, or there is some other reason for travelling, this must be discussed and agreed with the veterinary team at the final vetting.
14) Trophies and prizes will not be posted (apart from Awards for Gold, Silver and Bronze) – you must be present at the prize-giving to receive your award. A SAE can be left for rosettes only.