The Competitive Long Distance Horse Riding Society for England and Wales

"Our mission is to promote and enhance the sport of Endurance (Competitive Long Distance) Riding within the United Kingdom, by providing competition, training and development opportunities that will appeal to all levels of rider from beginner to world class winner"

If you have any ideas for rides or venues of interest, please do not hesitate to contact us at westridingnews@yahoo.co.uk

So, just what can I expect at one of your rides?

First of all, welcome to the Home Page of the West Riding EGB Group website.

West Riding Group is part of Endurance GB, the national body for competitive long distance riding in England and Wales and our aim is to support people riding throughout the West and South Yorkshire region to enable both horse and rider to enjoy endurance riding at all levels and see the beautiful countryside in our area.

This site aims to keep members up to date with what is happening throughout the West Riding EGB Group, give up to date news and ride reviews, provide useful information for riders of all levels and also provide information of the various events both in our area and throughout the surrounding groups. We aim to help anyone interested in finding out more about endurance horse riding so grab a cuppa and have a look at what we have on offer. The coming events page has loads of events detailed to get you started.

West Riding EGB Group organise several social and training rides throughout the region where you can come along to an unvetted short ride and get a taste for what endurance riding is all about - FUN AND ENJOYMENT for both horse and rider! They are suitable for any type of horse and any rider aged 8+.

Esther and a 23 year old Guadalcazar (Harry) enjoying the 8 mile route at
the recent Glossop Social Ride run by Derbysire EGB Group (picture by Kerry Dawson)

We also run national competitive long distance rides throughout the year which are a little longer than the social and training rides for the enjoyment of riders who wish to experience different parts of the countryside with the security of knowing that the route is accessible and there is support should they need it.

At competitive rides, all horses are checked by a farrier before going to vet.

Mr Ian Firth at Wharncliffe Chase EGB ride (picture by Kerry Dawson)

All horses are then trotted up in front of a vet to check for any lameness before being allowed out on course and within 30 minutes of your return to venue.

Ruth O'Keeffe and Sooti trotting up at Wharncliffe Chase EGB ride watched by Evie O'Keeffe and Dom (photo by Esther Young)

If you are doing a competive ride, your horses heart rate will also be checked by the vet both before and after the ride.

Julie Martin (our group Chairperson) with Jilly being vetted at Wharncliffe Chase EGB ride (photo by Esther Young)

We always ensure that there is off road parking at our venues and refreshments and toilet facilities are also provided at competitive events.

The Wharncliffe Chase EGB ride venue in full flow (photo by Esther Young)

Competitors are provided with a route map and the route is always adequately marked with chalk spray, tape or flags.

We publish several local newsletters a year which you elect to have either posted out to yourself or emailed.

Anyone is welcome to participate and you DON'T have to have an arab.

Emily and Yeti at the Fitzwilliam EGB Ride (photo by Esther Young)

It truly is a fun family sport for all!

Pete, Ally, Lotti and Amber at Lindum EGB ride getting ready for the pleasure pairs class!

We are a very friendly group with members of all ages and levels from beginners to advanced level. We are lucky to have quite a few riders who have been winners of the EGB national trophies and have a wealth of experience in our group. We all started as complete beginners and we are very willing to pass on our knowledge.

Kerry and Spider (Ffortune) at North Norfolk EGB Ride (Photo by West End Photography)

So come on! Let's GO!

What are you up to then?

We LOVE to hear what you're up to!!! Hint, hint!

The only way the website can stay fresh is if we have fresh information about what you are out there doing up and down the country!

So we need you to email us with any news, ride reports, diary dates, pictures, jokes, news, any articles you might have written on an aspect of endurance/long distance riding, details of where you enjoy training your horses or if you've enjoyed taking your horse on holiday with you, any hints and tips you may have, in fact, anything at all about anything and everything!

So go on email us at westridingnews@yahoo.co.uk and we'll make sure it goes up on the site and into our Group newsletter for the next edition.