Endurance Cirencester Park 29/30/31st July

Randonneuse

Randonneuse

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Hi,

Just wondering if anyone is doing the Endurance ride next weekend in Ciren park?
I am doing the 16k on the Friday, anyone doing it as well?
My OH may not be able to be the crew for me as he has just started a new job so in case he can't do it I was wondering if someone would be able to help out especially water wise for my pony please!
I am hacking to the start (about 3 miles from the yard) so I think he may need some water after the ride!;-)

Thanks a lot :-)
 
Me I'm going, doing the 16kNCR with a friend, I'm not sure we'll be able to help you water wise as we're looking for the latest start time possible - so you'll probably be well on your way once we arrive - we're travelling on to the BAPSH championship show at Hartpury straight after the ride.

I'll be on a big white wale of an andalucian, accompanying a dark grey yound andalucian if you spot us!

Have a fab time!
 
I'm "crewing" for the first time - any advice. I was thinking of using milk containers for water to pour over neddy - would this be "not the done thing" or is it OK. Don't want to embarrass my competitor.
 
Double_choc_lab said:
I'm "crewing" for the first time - any advice. I was thinking of using milk containers for water to pour over neddy - would this be "not the done thing" or is it OK. Don't want to embarrass my competitor.
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Hum...don't have a clue ahah I'm doing an Endurance ride for the first time :-D
Never done any kind of "competition" before so quite worried about Bilto not behaving when seeing hundreds of horses!!

Hedwards, I haven't received the info about rides time yet...can we choose what time we start??

Monkeybum13, I was meant to do the 30km and registered for it...but OH managed to dissuade me as he thought I wouldn't have time to train for it + we have about 3miles from and back to the yard, so would have been about 40km in all.

Nevermind, I'll do it next year ahah!;-)

I already do between 10 and 15 miles fast ride one day at the weekend all year around (+shorter rides during the week) so won't really be a challenge finishing it...the biggest challenge will be to see how Bilto reacts with so many horses and he'll probably want to take the way back home as we always ride in the park!

Good luck everyone!
 
I'm going! doing my first CR SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO EXCITED!!! I did a sponsored ride there a while ago and it's just the best place ever - the going is gorgeous!
 
R - Sorry i meant vet time, not start time - no i dont think we've had anything yet either (It all goes to my friend rather than me) I'm really quite new to all this too!

D_C_C - Crewing wise, empty milk containers will be ok, we use empty fabric softner containers though, much bigger and the lids dont get lost, so if you can get your hands on them i'd recommend it. Make sure you've agreed with your rider exactly where they want crewing and when you need to be there (so many times we've had to crew others because their crew were late!) Crewing is great though - i love it (sometimes a bit more than actually doing the rides!)
 
I did Kings forest and used milk plastic containers so think they will be fine no one laughed a tme - good luck i enjoyed mine
 
Sounds really fab, and is something I have been thinking about doing with my girl. Something I know nothing about at all though!
If they aren't really stupid questions, how is it different from a 16km fun ride with no jumps? Why do you need a crew and what do they do and when? Is it too late to enter for the 16km one coming up? How fast do you need to do it, or is it more to do with finishing fresh?
Good luck all!
 
ThePony said:
Sounds really fab, and is something I have been thinking about doing with my girl. Something I know nothing about at all though!
If they aren't really stupid questions, how is it different from a 16km fun ride with no jumps? Why do you need a crew and what do they do and when? Is it too late to enter for the 16km one coming up? How fast do you need to do it, or is it more to do with finishing fresh?
Good luck all!
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There are different kinds of endurance rides, the 16k ride i'll be doing is an NCR (Non-competitive ride) or a pleasure ride and have to be completed within 8 and 12km/h, you will probably have to do a veterinary trot up before and after the ride (within 30mins of finishing), if you're horse is deemed lame before the trot up you wont be allowed to continue, and if its lame at the end you wont get a completion. they arent particularly different to the fun rides, and are all way marked (just need to be aware there will be people taking part in the competitive rides too - they take precedent!)

For 16k you shouldnt need crew (we do 30k without crew too) the cirencester ride is a 'major' ride, and has FEI classes, so some very long distances. Crew meet riders on course, and back at the venue for interim and final vet checks (the longer rides come back in for a 'rest' and vet check part the way through the ride before going back out for a further distance) The crew provide water, feed if wanted 'slosh'bottles for pouring over the horses on course etc etc. they help to get the heart rates down to the required level etc etc.

You'd need to check the EGB website to see if you can still enter - think they accept late entries for the NCR's anyway.
 
Ooh I'll see if I can be around for some of this, I live in Ciren and my mum has stables right on the edge of the park. It'd be nice to meet some people. Won't be riding though! Little 11.2 would fall over at the prospect of dragging all 8 stone of me for 16km! :D
 
Thank you, that's really helpful!
Unfortunatly 8kmph and 12kmph don't mean anything to me - I have never thought to check how far we go on hacks! What proportion of a 16km would you expect to do in walk/trot/canter and how long would you expect it to take in the slower to faster end of the speeds?
 
ThePony said:
Thank you, that's really helpful!
Unfortunatly 8kmph and 12kmph don't mean anything to me - I have never thought to check how far we go on hacks! What proportion of a 16km would you expect to do in walk/trot/canter and how long would you expect it to take in the slower to faster end of the speeds?
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As I'm new to this as well I can only try to reply to your question!
For an idea, when we do fast rides at the weekend (OH running ahah!) between 10 and 15 miles, we do mostly fast trot and some canter (no walk or very very little) and as OH has a running watch I know we usually do about 11/12km per hour BUT for next week I won't have a clue as he is not allowed to come with me ;-) so I'll have to keep a steady trot and do 2 or 3 short canter I guess.

Like Hedwards I am doing a NCR as well.
 
Double_choc_lab said:
Excuse my ignorance but is that the same horse both days - impressed if it is.
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Yes, same horse on both days :) Providing everything goes to plan that is!!
Not overly impressive, very low level endurance! Have got my season plan completely wrong due to shoddy start and wish I'd put in for a 65km at Cirencester now!! Ho hum, there is a possibility later on or I'll have to wait a season!!
 
Randoneuuse,

Shouldn't think you need a crew for 16km, they usually have water points set up in the park as it isn't accessible to crews anyway. Can you drive some water & buckets down to the venue earlier that day for when you finish? Then after your home go back & collect them. Would be useful for you to have a drinks bottle either in a bum bag or on your saddle as it can get very hot there. Also plaster you & your horse in fly spray, plenty at the venue. You also need to consider who will hold your horse whilst you collect your number then return it later. You wont be allowed to take them into the marquee. If you can, go back on the saturday to watch the races (find out their start times when you are there friday),they are great fun to watch & you can learn loads at the vet gates.
 
pip6 said:
Randoneuuse,

Shouldn't think you need a crew for 16km, they usually have water points set up in the park as it isn't accessible to crews anyway. Can you drive some water & buckets down to the venue earlier that day for when you finish? Then after your home go back & collect them. Would be useful for you to have a drinks bottle either in a bum bag or on your saddle as it can get very hot there. Also plaster you & your horse in fly spray, plenty at the venue. You also need to consider who will hold your horse whilst you collect your number then return it later. You wont be allowed to take them into the marquee. If you can, go back on the saturday to watch the races (find out their start times when you are there friday),they are great fun to watch & you can learn loads at the vet gates.
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Thank you, I didn't know I needed someone to hold Bilto there...I think OH can come now so hopefully will be fine!
Yes don't worry I'll plaster Bilto with fly repellent, went hacking (in Ciren Park as usual!) and they were loads of horse flies! (didn't put any repellent as they weren't any flys at the yard...)
I'll have a water bottle on the saddle but how do people do for the "bottle carrier" not to flap when trotting/cantering?
I tried it few days ago and it was a pain...(I don't want to put the bottle in a bum bag in case I fall off as I think it can be dangerous!)

I may go and watch it on Saturday as I also want to have a look at what they sell there!

Thanks!
 
16k is perfectly possible without crew.

I've done 32k on a draft horse, without crew.

I leave him in the trailer to get my number and load up before I return it.

Take plenty of water and be organised you'll be fine alone.
 
Oberon said:
16k is perfectly possible without crew.

I've done 32k on a draft horse, without crew.

I leave him in the trailer to get my number and load up before I return it.

Take plenty of water and be organised you'll be fine alone.
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Thank you...I won't have a trailer or any kind of transport so I'm hacking to the start (about 3 miles!)
OH will be coming now so he will hold my pony for me :-)
 
Received pack today too, starting to get very excited now!

The class I'm going has a small amount of roadwork in Daglingworth and a small bit between Middle Duntisbourne and Daglingworth but both sections are tiny.

I'm guessing the road isn't a very busy one, it's yellow so only a minor road.
 
Don't worry, sometimes info not sent until week before so you should get it mon/tues latest. If it hasn't arrived by thurs, ring the ride organiser, if need be you can collect map etc on the day if there has been a postage problem. There is nothing that can't be fixed.

To work out times do 60 / speed in kph, then x this by the distance in km = time in minutes to do that distance at that speed. So the time for 16km at 8kph is (60/8) x 16 = 120 minutes or 2 hours. 12kph for 16km is (60/12) x 16 = 80 minutes or 1hr 20 minutes. Hope this helps you to work out min/max riding times. Feel free to pm me if you aren't sure. I know this maths bit worries people.

Great your partner can be there. Leave him in the car with paper/food & he can snooze for a bit. Before you leave put water in bowl for horse to drink, water in bucket with sponge to wash him off & get him refreshed before hack home. Also offer a very sloppy feed after he has finished, so he replenished his energy. Give him plenty of time to chill before you hack back, a clean, dry numnah would also be nice for him for the hack home. Give him time to graze & drink his fill. Endurance horses are encouraged to eat & drink throughout long competative rides.

Hope you all have an absolutely fab day out. There are plenty of chances to canter, many of the tracks are dirt or go around the edge of fields. Wish I was also there but shoulder is out of action for a few more months, hoping to get to Braemore in october if physio goes okay.

Remember, any problems just ask someone. In this sport it is written in the rules if someone needs help you have to stay & help them. You will find everyone no matter how experienced very friendly & happy to answer questions. You don't need an arab, although there will be plenty there. The only aim is to have fun with your horse & come back sound.

Good Luck!!!!!
 
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monkeybum13 said:
Received pack today too, starting to get very excited now!

The class I'm going has a small amount of roadwork in Daglingworth and a small bit between Middle Duntisbourne and Daglingworth but both sections are tiny.

I'm guessing the road isn't a very busy one, it's yellow so only a minor road.
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The road you will be doing is not usually very busy :-)

Should I take a first aid kit or not?(as only a "short" ride)
If so what do I need please?
Also how do you carry your water bottle?
I've read you need to have an emergency card on you, where do you wear it?
Do you wear hi viz?(I only have a tabard to hack)

Getting excited and worried now ahah!!! Especially for the stoney track as Bilto has been a bit sensitive on gravel the last few days...(he is barefoot)
Hopefully will be better next Friday.

Anything else I should know please?

Thank you!
 
pip6 said:
Don't worry, sometimes info not sent until week before so you should get it mon/tues latest. If it hasn't arrived by thurs, ring the ride organiser, if need be you can collect map etc on the day if there has been a postage problem. There is nothing that can't be fixed.

To work out times do 60 / speed in kph, then x this by the distance in km = time in minutes to do that distance at that speed. So the time for 16km at 8kph is (60/8) x 16 = 120 minutes or 2 hours. 12kph for 16km is (60/12) x 16 = 80 minutes or 1hr 20 minutes. Hope this helps you to work out min/max riding times. Feel free to pm me if you aren't sure. I know this maths bit worries people.

Great your partner can be there. Leave him in the car with paper/food & he can snooze for a bit. Before you leave put water in bowl for horse to drink, water in bucket with sponge to wash him off & get him refreshed before hack home. Also offer a very sloppy feed after he has finished, so he replenished his energy. Give him plenty of time to chill before you hack back, a clean, dry numnah would also be nice for him for the hack home. Give him time to graze & drink his fill. Endurance horses are encouraged to eat & drink throughout long competative rides.

Hope you all have an absolutely fab day out. There are plenty of chances to canter, many of the tracks are dirt or go around the edge of fields. Wish I was also there but shoulder is out of action for a few more months, hoping to get to Braemore in october if physio goes okay.

Remember, any problems just ask someone. In this sport it is written in the rules if someone needs help you have to stay & help them. You will find everyone no matter how experienced very friendly & happy to answer questions. You don't need an arab, although there will be plenty there. The only aim is to have fun with your horse & come back sound.

Good Luck!!!!!
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Thanks very much for your message, hope your shoulder gets better soon :-)
What kind of very sloppy feed can I give him please? (he usually is on hay/grass only!)

Thanks again!
 
(60/8) x 18.8 = 141 minutes, means the slowest time you can take to complete the course is 2 hours 21mins.

Whenever the class distance is listed in the schedule, there is a leeway of + or- 5km, so as it was advertised at 16km, it is only an extra 2.8km. You get an extra 2.8km for the same entry fee! Bonus!

I use grass nuts soaked to a mush, or you can use any feed just make sure it has plenty of water mixed in so he can easily digest it. Use what he usually has, if it is hay then bring him a small haynet or grass just let him graze there. Don't change things just for the ride, use what he already gets as that is what his system is used to. It's just he's going to be working for a while, so he will appreciate some grub before the hack home.

If you go there on the sat watch the vetgate (at the venue, you will see the space set aside on friday with sat competitors starting to put their equipment in there ready). As soon as the horses have vetted they return to the vetgate for their hold time (enforced rest time - often 30 mins) they are encouraged to eat & drink. I knew one horse would only eat sugar puffs in the vet gate, so that's what they gave him. Better that than nothing! You might even want to put an advert in the marquee offering to help 'crew' a horse on the saturday if someone needs an extra pair of hands. You can learn so much by crewing people competing at a higher level, then apply it to yourself. Or ask the secretary if more helpers are needed sat or sun, again you can learn by helping & watching.

Sure you will have a ball.
 
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I take a box containing a horse first aid kit, then in my saddle bag carry a vetwrap, hoofpick & an emergency blanket. Take a fully charged phone & carry it on you, not the horse (in case you part company). The water bottle should clip to a ring on the saddle, then have a strap that goes around the girth straps to stop it flapping. Any doubt, performance equestrian usually have a stall there & sell everything like this, & hats, boots, chaps, bridles etc so you could get one on the day.

It isn't normal to carry an emergency card, but if you have health concerns you can or leave details in a sealed envelope with the secretary to be collected when you hand your bib back. You can wear hi-viz, most riders don't on this kind of course as road work is minimal. You can't wear anything that would stop your bib number being visible, so the tabard would need to be underneath your number. I'm not saying don't wear it, just that many riders wont. They are trying to bring in hi-viz numbers but sometimes use different colour numbers to distinguish between riders in different classes (easier for CP's). You may have an orange, white, blue or yellow number.

Any roads you go on will have boards up warning motorists to expect horses on or crossing the road. You probably wont see the boards as they will be placed in advance to give the motorists time to slow down. Road crossings are usually stewarded unless the road has very light traffic. I personally have never had a problem with traffic on this ride. Put the flyspray on your clothing as well as the horse, I found the horse flies used to bite my legs the little s0ds.
 
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