Information
The ride is non-profit making, run by volunteers and exists to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support, The Riding for the Disabled Association, Thames Valley Air Ambulance, the Royal Agricultural Benevolent Institution and other local charities.
When does the sponsored ride take place?
The 2024 ride will take place on Sunday 6th October 2024.
Where does the ride take place?
The ride starts and finishes just outside Cuxham, Nr Watlington, Oxon. Click here for Streetmap, or here for Google maps, or add OX49 5NL to your SatNav. Click here to download a printable map. Much of the ride is on private land, by kind permission of landowners and farmers, and the ride start and parking are near Brightwell Baldwin village by kind permission of the Nixey family.
What is the course like?
The route is in an area of outstanding natural beauty, passing over grass, woodland, arable and tracks. It is mostly on private land and there are some exceptional views.
The full route is about 12 miles, but if you or your horse get tired there is a short cut which reduces the route by about 3 miles.
There are about 50 fences, all of which are optional. The fences are approx 2’6” high, with 20 more challenging options at about 3’6”. They are all well constructed and include rails, hedges, water, ditches, banks, impressive tree trunks and several combinations.
There is extensive field parking and if the weather is wet we have tractors and drivers to help you move your vehicle. We have a photographer and a caterer on site.
It’s a day to thoroughly enjoy for you, your horse and your friends.
Can I walk the course before the ride?
Sadly this year we are unable to open the course for walking prior to the ride.
How much does it cost to enter?
There is an £20 non-returnable deposit for each rider which includes paramedic cover. In addition each rider must raise a minimum of £20 sponsorship (or sponsor themselves for a minimum of £20) and all sponsorship monies must be paid on the day, in cash or by cheque with valid bank card. We cannot accept credit or debit cards.
Click here to download extra sponsorship forms if necessary.
How do I enter?
Enter online from the Entry page. You can pay by PayPal or credit/debit card.
The last date for receipt of entries is Thursday 3rd October. In the event that updated COVID-19 guidelines require the cancellation of the ride, entry fees will be refunded, minus any admin charges we incur.
How long does the ride take to complete?
It takes approximately 2.5/3hrs hours but it depends on the individual pace you set. Some people will walk round the entire course and take considerably longer. There is a short cut if you or your horse get tired - ask a steward for advice. This reduces the course by approximately 3 miles.
Can I request a specific start time?
You will choose your own start times as part of the online entry process. Early times are popular, so if you want to ride at a specific time, please enter early.
Please arrive promptly as it may be difficult to fit you in at another time if you miss your own start time.
The first riders set off at 9.30am and the last at around 12.30pm, unless morning times sell out, in which case we will release some start times after 12.30pm.
Can I ride in a group?
Yes. Please enter all riders in the group as part of the same online entry, to ensure you all have the same start times. A maximum of four riders may start together. If your group is larger, you may be started two minutes apart, but can regroup after the start.
Will I be able to park near the start of the ride?
You will be directed to a parking place by stewards. Parking is very close to the start of the course, the secretary’s tent, toilets and refreshments. If the weather is wet we have tractors and drivers to help you move your vehicle.
What if I am transporting more than one load of horses?
Please choose entry times far enough apart to give you time to return with your second load.
Will I get a rosette?
Rosettes will be awarded to all riders completing the course:
Gold: awarded to riders completing the distance and jumping all the fences including the bonus options
Silver: awarded to riders completing the distance and jumping more than 20 fences
Bronze: awarded for completing the distance and jumping fewer than 20 fences.
Are there any prizes?
Trophies and prizes will be awarded to the junior and senior rider raising the most sponsorship money.
Will there be a photographer present?
Yes, a photographer will be present.
Will there be a vet present?
There will be vets on call and a trailer that can be used for emergency horse transport will be available.
Will there be a farrier present?
We are sorry but there will not be a farrier.
Who helps at the ride?
The ride is run entirely by volunteers. If you’d like to help make the ride run smoothly on the day, please let us know!
We also have help from the Kimblewick Hunt, who provide some of our mounted and foot stewards, office staff, and check point officials. Without their help we couldn’t run the ride, and the Hunt receives a donation from the ride in recognition of this.
What about COVID-19?
Appropriate measures will be put in place if necessary.
Do not attend the Ride in any capacity if Public Health England advice indicates you should remain in isolation at home.
I still have questions
If you have any further questions, please send an e-mail to the Secretary at info@sosr.org.uk