Hamsterley Forest 25km training ride was a fortnight earlier than usual and the weather this year was superb. Combined with the large turnout of horses and riders, the day was a great success.

There were 40 ride completions and an impressive team entry. The target for a combined team of four horses was 10 hours 20 minutes, achieved by team one, who were only an impressive eight minutes off target, leaving a gap of five minutes to the second-placed team, showing excellent skills in time and team management. The trail was well marked, with good variable terrain. There were inclines of various degrees, water crossings, wet areas to negotiate and the forest trails made for a good pace.

Big thanks go to those who helped to make the day such a success.

To name a few: Ride organiser Agneta Pallinder, Norma Kendrick and Fay in the Secretariat, Les Spark as timekeeper, marker and de-marker, Ellie and Jasper for horseback marking, Chris and Bernard Haston at checkpoint one and Nick Brown and crew who managed checkpoint two. Most importantly thanks to all the riders for their enthusiasm and continual support.

Beautifully engraved glass goblets were presented to the winners and runners-up and rosettes for all those who completed.

Completions: G. Flowers & James, Fiona Battey & Maverick, Rachel Beattie & Ben Affric, Jacquie Brash & Sandfire Prince, Sylvia Briggs & Whitbridge Crystal Callista, Mark Briggs & Erin's Gilt Edge, Bridget Brown & Paddy Wak, Nikki Brown & Shankly, Jill Bullock & Silver Dancer, Liz Campbell & Indian Ra, Jo Campin & Duncrahill Quest, Sharon Carman & Hillrise Hazel, Gillian Cartwright & Lennie, Eileen Charlton & Cairo Ibn Mehzika, Margaret Coleman & Theo, Pat Dodds & Hillhead Minstrel, Julie Fishpool & Angel, Gail Fitzsimmons & Ionas Shadow, Sue Frusher & Ben, Sue Gamble & The Golly Ollybird, Karen Greenwood & North Island Bill, Kate Hall & Digby Dun, Angela Johnson & Bright Destiny, Janet Lennard & Kavanagh, Irene Lister & Jasper, Michelle Morgan & Lewy, An Morris & Tash, Emma Nelson & Careless Whisper, Heather Park & Henry, Pauline Pugh & Autumn Ruby, Marilyn Readman & Sky Cloud, Ann Richardson & Secret Sharife, Hannah Shotton & Spice And All Things Nice, Karen Shotton & Patchwork Polly, Nicola Stanier & Cola, Anne Turnbull & Opal's Cruscinda, Alison Wanless & Warrens Hill Quelanza, Deborah Wardle & Just Jack, Andrea Waistell & Warrens Hill Charma, Wendy Wilson & Flicka.

1 Team One - 8mins off target: (Anne Richardson, Gill Flowers, Rachel Beattie & Jacquie Brash). 2 Team Two - 13mins off target: (Wendy Wilson, Sue Gamble, Karen Greenwood & Kate Hall). 3 Team Three -17mins off target: (Eileen Charlton, Margaret Coleman, Gail Fitzsimmons & one notional horse). 4 Team Five - 19mins off target: (Janet Lennard, Irene Lister, Michelle Morgan & Ann Morris)

Published: 30/07/2004