KATY’S EXMOOR EXPERIENCE TURNS TO GOLD

United Pack Member Katy Mellor has become the youngest rider ever to achieve the coveted Gold Medal standard in an event described as the most challenging equestrian endurance ride in Europe.

Competing in the Exmoor Experience class of the internationally renowned Golden Horseshoe this month, Katy completed the two-day 50-mile course across the rugged landscape of Exmoor in Devon on her 13th birthday.

Katy, who lives on the Longmynd and is a pupil at Bishops Castle Community College, rode her 12.2hh Arab-cross pony Angelina Ginny at an average of 12km/hour over the two days, finishing each day within the optimum time and passing all veterinary inspections. She went one better than her record-breaking achievement in 2010, when she became the youngest rider to complete the course, attaining Silver Medal standard.

The Golden Horseshoe endurance ride takes place on Exmoor in Devon annually, attracting the UK’s top endurance riders and horses. This year’s event was boosted by the participation of Olympic three day event rider Mary King, who made her entry into the sport riding in the same Exmoor Experience class as Katy Mellor.

Katys Golden Horse Shoe Ride Report 2010

The Rufus Endurance GB Ride is a major national 2 day event which takes place in the beautiful New Forest countryside just outside of Lyndhurst.  There is a very full schedule of rides at all levels and in addition this year the ride also played host to the Pony Club Regional Challenge.

Rufus Regional Ride Report

Area 12 held an Autumn pairs challenge in October. Please see below for a short report.

Area 12 Autumn Pairs Challenge

Area 12 held an Endurance Camp in May including advice from World Equestrain Games Endurance Rider and a talk from Claire Akers from Dengie.

Area 12 Endurance Training Camp 2011 Report