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.
Horse & Hound Newsletter
Never miss out on the latest happenings in the equestrian world
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now
