THE Durham and Teesside Group of Endurance GB has put together a comprehensive calendar of long distance and pleasure rides for 2003.

The first ride of the year is in the Tanfield area on February 23 and rides, along with social and training events, continue until the end of October.

The group offers distances to suit everyone. They range from ten to 20 miles for pleasure and training riders up to 50 miles for those who are slightly more competitive and endurance rides for the advanced horse and rider combinations with serious ambition and commitment.

Each rider who completes a ride receives a rosette to celebrate their successes, but members also accumulate their mileage and compete for a range of trophies, which are awarded at the annual meeting at the end of the season.

Last year was a new beginning for Endurance GB after the foot-and-mouth crisis, with a provisional ride calendar becoming reality as restrictions were lifted.

For more details on the February 23 ride telephone Alison or send a sae for an entry form on 0191 3770692, or speak to Norma on 01429 297908 for membership into Happy Riding in 2003.

For more general information call Lindsay on 01388 812129 or come to a ride venue and chat to other interested parties.