Why not have a go at GrassRoots Endurance at the PC Endurance Champs at the Royal Welsh Showground?
What does the Pony Club Grassroots Endurance class at the PC Endurance Championships involve for members?
An 18km ride (11 miles) (without jumps) along tracks in open countryside. Approx 1km is on the road at the start and finish of the ride. There is a climb up a fairly steep track of 2km.
The route is all marked out – like a hunt fun ride etc so it’s easy to follow the route. You are given a route map too so you can follow your ride and see where you are! You won’t get lost!
It’s a fabulous opportunity to take part in a fun Pony Club Sport – best described as competitive hacking!
You win, get placed by completing the ride in a good time with a fit pony; there is a points formula based on your average speed (km/hr) and the heart rate (HR/min) of your pony (taken within 30mins of coming over the finish line)
Vets check your pony’s heart rate and see them trot up to see they are not lame
Fit ponies will have normal or near normal heart rates within 30 minutes of completing your ride
When is it?
Sunday 26th September 2021
Start times will be in the morning/ late morning
Where is it?
Venue: The Royal Welsh Showground, Builth Wells, LD2 3WY
Can any member do this?
You must be at least 8 years old
Not on a lead rein
14’s and under for this ride will have to accompanied by an adult (the risk assessment for this ride)
An adult can supervise up to 3 children
15 and over can ride alone or with others of that age or older
Individual and teams of 4 (why not have a branch team of 4? Mixed branch team? Area team?)
Is my pony fit enough to do this?
You pony must be capable of being ridden for 2 hours plus, as this is how long the ride will take
Your pony must be sound; don’t enter if you have recurrent lameness issues on welfare grounds
How fast do I have to go?
It is not a race!
You need to maintain a steady and appropriate speed for the terrain eg walk up and down steep hills, then make up time by cantering along a nice track.
This is the skill of Endurance – to make judgements of pace in line with the terrain and your pony’s fitness
I’d like to do this! How do I enter?
Pre entry with Pony Club: (Link to follow)
Sign up for free as an EGB Club member or EGB Supporter member
Complete Ride entry with EGB: Closing date 10th September (no late entries!)
Scroll to “sign up options” and choose class 54 PC Grassroots
I’ve got a question – who can help answer it?
Fiona Williams – Curre@pcuk.org
Pony Club office – zoe.pulling@pcuk.org
It really is accessible.