This ride originated from Hexham Race-course in the late Eighties and has moved around over the years.

Although the organisers, Eileen Charlton and Janet Lennard, used the beautiful setting of the racecourse for the return of this ride in 2002 and 2003, due to fewer entries this year the venue was changed at the eleventh hour to Cooks House Farm, Hexham. The event was on Sunday, August 8.

Owners, Ian and Jennifer Dodd welcomed the endurance ride back. Cooks House had been the superb venue where the Hexhamshire Trophy Class started, in 1999.

The two main classes were the Northern Championships 100km Endurance Race and the Hexhamshire Trophy Ride 82km endurance race.

The NC class had 13 entries, but due to late withdrawals and downgradings, only six horses presented for the pre-ride vetting on the Saturday evening.

Another horse was withdrawn from the ride after having an accident during the night, so on a very misty morning at 7.30 five horse and rider combinations set out over the start line towards the Hexhamshire heather-clad moors to do their first loop.

At the first vet gate at 42km, Siobhan Smith from Lambourn, riding her Arab mare Lara Puskovna, were eliminated lame, which left four horses to continue.

Liz Dentice on Nickitta, from Cumbria, and Zara Moon on Yamavar from Lancs left the vet hold with five minutes between them, leaving Candy Cameron on Iowa Larzac, from Inverness, and Cheryl Wallace on Wrightfield Omar, from Ayrshire, almost 45 minutes behind.

After the second vet gate at 80km, there was only a minute between Liz and Zara as they set out on their final 20km loop. This was to result in a great racing finish across the line, with Nickitta pipping Yamavar by a head.

Sadly Little Nickitta, a part bred Arab, was eliminated due to lameness at the final vetting, giving first place to 16-year-old Zara.

Candy came in second, while Cheryl finished third after losing a lot of time when Omar threw a shoe out on course.

The 82km race was a lot more competitive, having 16 starters out of 16 entries.

The mist was burning off as they set off at 8.15. There were three entries from Northern Ireland, but unfortunately none made it through to the finish.

Early leaders were Karen Corr on HT Aramis, from Lancashire, Jackie Searle on Nasser, from Derbyshire, and Rachel Atkinson on Doricina Valient Be, from Lancashire

The only competitor from the hosting group - Northumberland and Tyneside - was Justine Blake, riding Hilary Cloughly's horse, Blue Morn, all from Haltwhistle.

Unfortunately Blue Morn was eliminated at vet gate one for lameness.

Jackie took the lead from vet gate one, with Karen and Rachel closely on her heels.

Karen and Jackie came into vet gate two together this time, with Rachel eight minutes behind. A slightly quicker presentation set Karen off in front by a minute to do the final 20km loop, a lead which Jackie could not close.

Rachel was about ten minutes behind now, but Karen Greenwood on North Island Bill, from Durham, who had been gaining ground in fourth position, was going much stronger on the last loop and overtook Rachel to take third place.

There was no racing finish, but a hotly contested ride with nine successful finishers.

Other classes were a 62km, 51km, 42km and 34km graded ride, where riders had to cover the course within set speed parameters, and a 20km pleasure class.

Although entries were down this year, about 70 riders enjoyed the wonderful weather and scenery.

The veterinary judges were all experienced endurance vets - Derek Grantham from Lincolnshire, Bruce Borthwick from Edinburgh, Colin Mitchell from Stocksfield and Claire Hinchcliffe from Matfen.

The farrier was Huw Dyer, from Londonderry, near Bedale, who was also the judge for the best shod horse award in class one and two, which went to Evelyn Frame's horse Ginti, from Mid-Lothian.

The Northern Champ-ionships Ride is classed as a major ride on Endurance GB's calendar, and helpers came from not only the Northumberland Group but also, Durham, the Borders and North Yorkshire.

Roles included vet writers, vet stewards, check-pointers, timekeepers, runners, crew station personnel and gate openers.

Raynet Communications were in attendance, along with St John Ambulance Service, the Trail Riders Federation and Quadtech.

The organisers of the event and their small committee of Peter Carter, Angela Johnson, Hilary Cloughly and Viv Knight are all grateful to ride sponsors Border Trails Endurance, Troxel by Airowear, Fal Rugs, WCF, Allendale Motor Co, Shiremoor Press, and Northumbrian Water.

Many thanks also go to the landowners, without whose support endurance rides could not be run.

Published: ??/??/2004