UK: Cornwall conditions and gale force winds test endurance riders

www.thisiscornall.co.uk
August 5

THE two-day fixture at the Minions Moorland Endurance Ride which started from Trewalla Farm opened with a 10-mile pleasure ride on Bodmin Moor where gale force winds tested the 20-strong field.

With valued and vital support from the Trail Riders Fellowship, organisers Sue Speed and Jane Holden set out routes ranging from 20 to 50 miles for the two days of competition.

A total of 70 riders enjoyed the challenge of crossing Bodmin Moor before riding through Smallacombe Plantation on to Minions village and around Caradon Hill.

An extra 10-mile loop for the longer classes went over Sharp Tor and around Twelve Men's Moor, climbing up and over the granite covered slopes of Kilmar – the most physically testing part of the ride for the horses.

Conditions underfoot varied from muddy to stony tracks and granite outcrops, with some canters across the moorland turf.

Despite the weather, seven horses achieved Grade Ones and the South West team finished ahead of the Wessex team in the first round of their annual battle for the Morris Cup.

In the 50-mile ER, David Yeoman and Haszar took pole position from Jill Semmens from Penzance riding Evermore Exciting.

“It was my first ride at Minions and I thoroughly enjoyed it, despite the weather,” said David.