A STRONG northern contingent headed to Lincolnshire to take part in one of the season's two-day endurance competitions at the superb setting of RAF Cranwell.

The competition, April 30 and May 1, was held by kind permission of the Air Officer Commanding and Commandant Air Commodore M C Barter CBE ADC RAF.

Ten classes, ranging from an 81km graded ride to a 20km pleasure ride, were each held on both days, and an additional class held on day two was the main event - the 81km endurance ride. The 21 classes throughout the weekend attracted nearly 200 entries, which meant it was "all hands on deck" for organisers Jane Calvert and Helen Hilder.

Sponsors for this year's event were Performance Equestrian, suppliers of endurance equipment world-wide, based in Thetford, Norfolk, and Clee Saddlery from Cleethorpes, which both gifted various prizes.

Saturday saw success for Young Rider squad member Gemma Parkin riding Lutandorvici. She received a Grade one in the 81km class and was the leading rider in her class under the French Formula system. Other Northern riders celebrated achievements: Karen David riding Al Zahi Khazan received a Grade four in the 52km class and Jacquie Brash riding Sandfire Prince received a Grade three in the 42km class.

The 81km endurance ride had more than 30 entries. Young Rider squad member Fiona Luke came away with first place riding L'Egoiste at a speed of 18.91kph, and fellow squad member Abigail Lockett riding Delorto Zaranz was fifth at 18.20kph. Northern rider Tracy Thompson on Chrystal Jobaar completed the ride at an average speed of 14.59kph, and EGB National Champion 2004 Zara Moon's mother Meriel, rode Zara's mount Yamavar, into a very respectable fourth position at a speed of 18.4kph.

Other notable successes on day two were a Grade four for Anne Turnbull from Durham and Teesside EGB Group, riding Aulautus in the 42km graded class, and a completion for Jacquie Brash, again riding Sandfire Prince, in the same class. Young Rider squad member Amy Boston from Yarm, riding Minsk, achieved a Grade three in the 52km graded class, going on to win her class under the French Formula system.

The general consensus from riders was sheer pleasure at having the opportunity to attend not only an excellently managed event, but also to utilise such a fantastic venue.

European championships cancelled

THE FEI EIER Open European Championships 2005, due to be held at the National Trust's Stourhead Estate in August, has been cancelled.

The organising committee of the event said that the level of total funds available had not reached initial expectations, requiring the committee to take action now.

The decision to cancel was made in conjunction with the Title Sponsor, Emirates International Endurance Racing, the Fdration Equestre Internationale (FEI) and the British Equestrian Federation (BEF).

Emirates International Endurance Racing has confirmed that the funds expended so far need not be returned. The committee said it was very grateful to Emirates International Endurance Racing for its continued assistance in this way, without which, cancellation would incur a significant loss.

Members thanked the many sponsors who had committed both goods and financial support for the event. John Hudson, a member of the committee said: "The organising committee wishes to express its thanks to the BEF and the FEI for their support during this difficult time for everyone, and especially wish to thank the many Endurance GB members, friends and other volunteers who have given up many days of time and effort to help in this venture".

Team challenge held

THE Durham and Teesside Group of EGB held its training ride at Waskerley, Durham on Sunday, April 24.

The ride incorporated the group's annual Team Challenge competition for which teams of four horses and riders aimed to ride their distances in an optimum time. Prizes and rosettes were given to fourth with the winners and runners-up receiving engraved goblets donated by Border Trails Endurance. The event, which had been split into two classes of 26km and a 19km, attracted more than 60 entries. Bright sunshine ensured some fast riding over tracks and moorland.

The group held its Hamsterley Forest ride on Sunday, May 8, when 49 horses and riders completed the 19km ride, taking in forest tracks and paths on undulating terrain.

The next training ride for the group is to be held at Stanhope on July 10. it is hoped that entrants will be able to enjoy about 25km of off-road riding.

Positive training benefits all

Northumberland and Tyneside Endurance GB Group held its first training day of the season at East Fourstones Livery and Gallops.

The first section of the day, which was split in to two parts, consisted of 45 minutes in the arena with Lucy Williams. Lucy, an experienced instructor in all disciplines and an event rider, believes that position and balance are vital for endurance riders as for any other discipline.

She concentrated on technique and control of pace using transitions to help to develop rider body-awareness and mastership of the horse. She gave everyone something positive to take away and to work on.

All, from very novice to advanced, felt that they had gained knowledge. We are hoping that Lucy will return at some time to give us further instruction.

The second part was interval training on the gallops. Lucy again encouraged riders to think about small details and to push themselves further.

The grass gallops were in excellent condition and riders took their horses over the full mile distance.

Part of this was a timed section and then they slowed down slightly before a heart rate was taken at the end. Those with heart monitors attached could see their horse's heart rate at its maximum and could see how quickly it returned to normal. For those without monitors a recovery heart rate was taken after about four minutes - the time taken to return to the timer. Everyone was allowed three passes on the gallops, although those with unfit or young horses opted for fewer.

The horses had worked hard. Janet Lennard, group chairman, commented on the misunderstanding that training for endurance riding requires hours in the saddle - quality, challenging short training on good terrain is far better for the horse than miles on hard tarmac.

The Armstrongs, who own East Fourstones, were wonderful hosts and the weather even managed to be kind to us. The facilities were excellent and we had magnificent views over the River Tyne.

It was agreed by all that it was a day worth repeating and perhaps opening up to members from neighbouring groups.

Company sponsors Nations Cup loop

LEADING equine feed company Topspec is to support a loop at the FEI Newmarket Ride.

The company has been involved in the endurance world for a number of years through sponsorship of riders, including Mary Korn, Anna Welch and Chris Rose.

Nicola Tyler of TopSpec said: "We are very pleased to be supporting such a major ride this year. Several of the products in our range are ideal for endurance horses and we have had a lot of support from competitors over the years.

"Sponsorship of a loop at the event is our way of putting something back into the sport. We are delighted to be involved in exciting competitions that require the competitor to use the highest standards of nutrition and management."

The FEI Newmarket and Emirates International Endurance Offices CEIO*** 160km Nations Cup takes place from June 24 until June 26 with the ride on the final day. TopSpec is sponsoring the longest loop of the day, the Green Loop, which covers 33km and is the second section of the ride.

Published: ??/??/2004