Hamsterley Forest 25km training ride held on 2 May 2004 was a fortnight earlier than usual and the weather this year was superb combined with the large turn out of horse 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 time keeper, 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 and James, Fiona Battey and Maverick, Rachel Beattie and Ben Affric, Jacquie Brash and Sandfire Prince, Sylvia Briggs and Whitbridge Crystal Callista, Mark Briggs and Erin's Gilt Edge, Bridget Brown and Paddy Wak, Nikki Brown and Shankly, Jill Bullock and Silver Dancer, Liz Campbell and Indian Ra, Jo Campin and Duncrahill Quest, Sharon Carman and Hillrise Hazel, Gillian Cartwright and Lennie, Eileen Charlton and Cairo Ibn Mehzika, Margaret Coleman and Theo, Pat Dodds and Hillhead Minstrel, Julie Fishpool and Angel, Gail Fitzsimmons and Ionas Shadow, Sue Frusher and Ben, Sue Gamble and The Golly Ollybird, Karen Greenwood and North Island Bill, Kate Hall and Digby Dun, Angela Johnson and Bright Destiny, Janet Lennard and Kavanagh, Irene Lister and Jasper, Michelle Morgan and Lewy, An Morris and Tash, Emma Nelson and Careless Whisper, Heather Park and Henry, Pauline Pugh and Autumn Ruby, Marilyn Readman and Sky Cloud, Ann Richardson and Secret Sharife, Hannah Shotton and Spice And All Things Nice, Karen Shotton and Patchwork Polly, Nicola Stanier and Cola, Anne Turnbull and Opal's Cruscinda, Alison Wanless and Warrens Hill Quelanza, Deborah Wardle and Just Jack, Andrea Waistell and Warrens Hill Charma and Wendy Wilson and Flicka.

Team Time Challenge

1st Team One - 8 minutes off the target: Anne Richardson, Gill Flowers, Rachel Beattie and Jacquie Brash

2nd Team Two - 13 minutes off target: Wendy Wilson, Sue Gamble, Karen Greenwood and Kate Hall

3rd Team Three - 17 minutes off target: Eileen Charlton, Margaret Coleman, Gail Fitzsimmons, and one notional horse.

4th Team Five - 19 minutes off target: Janet Lennard, Irene Lister, Michelle Morgan and Ann Morris.

Published: 28/07/2004