Going the distance

Cheshire Endurance Group are celebrating the success of two of its’ riders in two of the toughest events in the endurance calendar.

Cheshire physiotherapist from West Kirby, Jo Gibson won the 100km (62 miles) “Denbigh Slate” endurance ride, riding her arab mare SG Anesstasia. Jo completed the gruelling ride in just under 6 hours, an average of 16.6 KPH speed over some very testing terrain.

Jo said, “endurance riding is a fabulous sport at all levels, it has its social side and you get to see some otherwise inaccessible areas of the countryside but the real test is getting yourself and your horse fit enough to take on the challenge. I was delighted to have won. Whilst the terrain was challenging the good bits outweighed the muddy bits!”

Meanwhile, congratulations go to Cheshire Group rider from Allostock, Harry Ingram on being the first British rider to cross the finish line at the Royal Windsor Endurance Ride and achieving 12th place overall. Harry, riding Bronze Nahdir competed the 120km CEI 2* course and was up against some top international riders from the UAE, Bahrain and France. The race was observed by three different royal families, including HM Queen Elizabeth, HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum of the UAE and King Hamad of Bahrain.

Harry said, “the atmosphere was fantastic from beginning to end and I felt very lucky to have been able to have taken part. It was a privilege to ride around the Great Park and even do a lap of Ascot!. Ali (Bronze Nahdir), was on top form and although this was his first 120km ride, he managed to maintain a decent page over 20kph. Thanks goes to my fantastic back-up crew, who were exceptional in looking after myself and Ali the entire time.

To find out more about how to get started in long distance competitive riding visit  ww.endurancegbcheshire.co.uk