Record numbers to attend Golden Horseshoe Ride

Record number of horses will descend on Exford in Somerset this weekend to take part in the 2008 Golden Horseshoe Ride (11-13 May).

The ride will be based at the same location as the well-known Exford Show and will follow a new route taking in open moorland, steep climbs and descents, river crossings and deep wooded combes.

The halfway halt will be at Honeymead, on land owned by Sir Stephen Waley-Cohen. Sir Stephen will be riding the 100-mile route in aid of one of his favourite local charities, the Honeymead Arts Trust.

The action gets underway on Sunday, May 11 with a sponsored pleasure ride. Riders have a choice of riding 10 miles in aid of the Moorland Mousie Trust or 16 miles for the Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance. Spectators can also enjoy watching Arabian horse and dog agility displays on Sunday.

On Monday (12 May) the first horse in the Golden Horseshoe Ride 100-mile class will start at 7.30am, immediately followed by the Exmoor Stag class (50 miles on day one and 25 miles on day two). The Exmoor Experience class (25 miles on each day) will send the first horse away at 10.30am.

The first horse away on Tuesday May 13, will be for the 100-mile class at 7.30am, followed by the starters in the one day, 50-mile Exmoor Eighty class. The Exmoor Experience will start its final day at 10.30am.

For more information visit: www.goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk

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