Whether you're in the market for cross-country jumps or fancy dress, take a look at our pick of fun rides happening this autumn
1. KIRTLINGTON SPONSORED RIDE
WHERE: Kirtlington Park, Oxfordshire
WHEN: Sunday 27 September
DISTANCE: 7 miles
COST: £20 (plus minimum sponsorship of £20 or £15 for a Pony Club member)
CONTACT: Carina Evans 01628 822243
You will ride across grass, woods and tracks, no roadwork. The route includes 50 fences plus bonus fences including water – you can jump all, some or none at all. The course is seven miles long and can be ridden at whatever speed the rider feels comfortable. On average it takes 2.5 hours.
Visit: kirtlington-sponsoredride.co.uk
2. THE GLASTONBURY FUN RIDE
WHERE: Somerset
WHEN: Sunday 27 September
DISTANCE: 12 mile ride or three mile lead rein route
COST: £15 or £18 on the day (discount for members and children)
CONTACT: gjones@mbba.org.uk
You know the venue — it is famous worldwide, but how about riding it? The 12 mile ride will take you across stunning countryside, generously opened by local landowners and the marked route offers excellent riding with little road work. An added bonus this year is a cross-country course which is situated half way around the 12 mile route.
Visit: mbba.org.uk
3. SOUTH OXFORDSHIRE SPONSORED RIDE
WHERE: Brightwell Park, near Watlington
WHEN: Sunday 4 October
DISTANCE: 12 miles
COST: £18 (plus minimum sponsorship of £15)
CONTACT: secretary@sosr.org.uk
The ride is non-profit making, run by volunteers and exists to raise money for The Kimblewick Hunt, Macmillan Cancer Relief, The Riding for the Disabled Association, The Air Ambulance and other local charities. The fences are approx 2’6” high, with 20 more challenging options at about 3’6”. They are all well constructed and include rails, hedges, water, ditches, banks, impressive tree trunks and several combinations. All fences are optional and there is a short cut if your horse gets tired. It is mostly on private land and promises some exceptional views.
Visit: www.sosr.org.uk
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4. MINLEY FUN RIDE
WHERE: Farnborough, Hampshire
WHEN: Sunday 4 October
DISTANCE: 10 miles
COST: Adult £25 Child £15 (£35 / £20 for entries on the day)
CONTACT: secretary.funride@hotmail.com
A fabulous ride on tracks through pleasant woods and farmland crossing only one (stewarded) road crossing. Approximately 10 miles long with around 50 optional jumps to suit all abilities.
Visit: www.sandhurstfunride.com
5. CURRE & LLANGIBBY HUNT FUN RIDE
WHERE: Howick Farm, Monmouthshire
WHEN: Sunday 11 October
DISTANCE: 9 miles
COST: £20
CONTACT: Alison 01633 400072 or Debbie 01600860432
A fun ride across forestry and farm land with optional jumps. Photographer present and rosettes up for grabs.
Visit: www.curreandllangibbyhunt.co.uk
6. KNOLE PARK CHARITY RIDE IN AID OF RIDING FOR THE DISABLED
WHERE: Knole Park, Kent
WHEN: Saturday 17 October
DISTANCE: 12km
COST: £25
CONTACT: contact@bradbourne-rda.org.uk
A rare opportunity to ride in the beautiful Knole Park whilst supporting a fantastic charity.
Visit: www.bradbourne-rda.org.uk
7. MARBURY FARM RIDE
WHERE: Cheshire
WHEN: Sunday 25 October
DISTANCE: 8 miles
COST: See website
CONTACT: ross-evans@hotmail.co.uk
All grass cross-country fun ride including a variety of over 100 optional jumps. The route includes long gallops and a woodland trail set in 350 acres of beautiful undulating Cheshire countryside.
Visit: www.marburyfarmride.co.uk
8. HALLOWEEN FAMILY FUN RIDE
WHERE: Elvaston Castle Show Field, Derbyshire
WHEN: Saturday 31 October
DISTANCE: N/A
COST: £15
CONTACT: ann@clubwestern.com
There will be fun and games in the form of an optional mini-trec competition plus a barbeque and rosette for everybody taking part. Prizes for the best fancy dress costumes.
Visit: www.bhs.org.uk
9. HALLOWEEN FUN DAY
WHERE: Swithens Farm Livery,Leeds, Yorkshire
WHEN: Sunday 1 November
DISTANCE: N/A
COST: £20 per horse
CONTACT: rebeccaheath1304@gmail.com
A fun day to help keep the winter blues away. A round of showjumps, an obstacle course and optional fancy dress.
Visit: www.ridingdiary.co.uk
