PONY CLUB ENDURANCE TEAM CHALLENGE WITH A CHOICE OF 9, 15, 20 OR 29KM ROUTES
Hosted by EGB Lions Tail ride, Nr Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire on 13/09/2008
Teams should consist of 3/4 riders aged 8-21 yrs who must be paid up members of the Pony Club branch they are representing. Teams must consist of a minimum of 3 riders, but branches with fewer riders may also enter pairs or individuals who wish to gain experience. (NB. Riders aged under 13yrs must be accompanied by an adult 18yrs or over who need not be a member of branch or team but who will also be required to pay an entry fee). Riders turnout should be smart, practical for the weather and comfortable for long periods in the saddle, long sleeves are recommended but hacking jackets and ties are not advised. Pony Club standard safety regulations regarding hats and foot wear apply.
All ponies will be vetted both before and after the ride and failing the vetting due to unsoundness or an elevated heart rate will result in elimination. Correct, prompt and controlled presentation for the vet may attract bonus points.
The basic course is a 9km Merlin level route (class PCTC section A) which is exclusively over bridleways and tracks. There are no jumps. The entire course should be ridden at an optimum average speed of 10kmph – riders going slower or faster than this will incur penalties. Route maps will be provided prior to the event to enable ride planning. Riding start times are allocated depending on entry numbers and will be sent to you with the ride maps etc.
There is an option for some team members to attempt a longer route for team bonus points. (Class PCTC sections B-D) You should note that these routes may entail some roadwork through villages and entry into sections C and D is dependent on pre-qualification. These routes should also be ridden to the optimum speed of 10kmph. Although all routes are stewarded at checkpoints, teams with riders in sections B-D should expect to bring their own “crews” to meet riders at points round the route with water and supplies of spare tack/clothing etc.
It is expected that teams will be of mixed ages and experience so it is not necessary for all the members of a team to ride together, or even to enter the same section/distance (eg A team could consist of an 8 yr old in PCTC section A riding 9km accompanied by her mum, her big sister and friend doing class PCTC section B over 15km and a more experienced member doing class PCTC section D over 29km) The team manager should simply ensure that riders are entered at the distance/class section appropriate to their age/experience and the secretary will allocate bonus points accordingly if the ride is completed successfully. NB it will be possible for riders to swap sections on the day of the event if necessary but every effort should be made to ensure that members are entered correctly in the first place.
The top three scores from each team will be used to judge the final placings.
please click here for full rules and points system
The team manager should be indicated on the entry form for the secretary to contact if there are any queries. The team manager can also be one of the team riders as long as they are aged over 18yrs and a paid up member of the branch.
Class PCTC – entry fee £15.00 plus £2 TROT toll ride fee per rider
section A – Merlin 9km
section B - Kestrel 15km
section C - Kestrel plus 20km
section D – Osprey 29km
(NB entrants to sections C or D must submit proof with entry of completing 2 Kestrel 14km+ (or similar) successfully)
click here to download entry form
entries to: Mrs S Creasey, 47 Edendale Road, Melton Mowbray, Leics LE13 0EW
tel: 01664 565096 Before 8.00pm (enquiries by email where possible please) email sheila.egb@talktalk.net
NB. Because of the nature of this event all riders must be entered
in advance in order to compete on the day – entries close 2/9/2008.
