The Cirencester Park Ride & Inter-Regional Championships11–13th July 2025
- Bella Fricker
- Jul 23
- 4 min read
Under soaring summer temperatures and with ground conditions hardened by prolonged drought, the 2025 Cirencester Park Ride delivered three days of challenging but inspiring competition. Returning with a new venue layout and revised routes, this year’s event was host to both the Inter-Regional Championships and Area Qualifiers, welcoming 286 horses across 48 classes, with a wide spread of competitive distances from 20km to 164km.
Organised by Jim Phillips and Sue Box, with Steven Bates overseeing the Inter-Regionals and ride secretary duties, the event ran seamlessly thanks to an extraordinary team of volunteers, officials, stewards and veterinary professionals who worked tirelessly in the heat to keep both horses and riders safe.
Inter-Regional Championships
The Inter-Regional Championships brought together ten regional teams to compete across a variety of classes, from Foundation Novice 22km to Advanced 80km CERs. Teams are required to include a broad mix of riders—junior, young riders, para-equestrians and Pony Club members—reflecting the Championship’s mission to encourage development, teamwork and inclusivity within the sport.
Despite searing temperatures above 30°C, all ten teams fielded impressive combinations, demonstrating a high standard of horsemanship. With results calculated using Endurance GB’s Performance Formula alongside team-based scoring, the final team standings were as follows:
🥇 1st – Hearts and Wolds – 135 points
🥈 2nd – Cromwell – 117 points
🥉 3rd – Mid South – 114 points
4th – North West (111 pts)
5th – South East (91 pts)
6th – South West (87 pts)
7th – Leicester Foxes (84 pts)
8th – Welsh Nomads (72 pts)
9th – Iceni (61 pts)
10th – Wessex (47 pts)
Special recognition was given to the veterinary team who praised the exceptional care shown to the horses throughout the event, particularly in the corrals and cooling areas. Despite the heat and firm ground, completion rates remained high and welfare remained front and centre throughout.
CER Highlights
🏆 164km CER 2-Day
Sadly, no finishers from the two starters, a stark reminder of the challenge presented by such distance in extreme weather.
🏆 130km CER 2-Day – Cheryl Logan Memorial
A standout solo finish for Wessex’s Wendy Everson and Dizzy Miss Lizzy, completing at 16.7kmph—a particularly emotional win in memory of Cheryl Logan.
🏆 100km CER – Denbeigh Slate Trophy
Jessie Lethbridge and Mountedgcumbe Velveteen rode uncontested to victory, completing at 12.0kmph—adding to their 2024 164km win at Cirencester.
🏆 80km CER – Coronium Trophy
In-form Stephanie Cole and Splash of Magic stormed to the top spot at 15.4kmph, continuing their strong season following a CEI1* finish at Windsor. Lauren Mills and HS Jamal followed in second.
🏆 80km CER – Young Rider Trophy
A reliable performance from Scarlett Chapple and her eye-catching dun mare Durboro Tansy, finishing at 14.6kmph—adding to an already successful season with two CEI2* completions.
🏆 80km CER – Sapperton Veteran Trophy
Only one finisher, Carri Ann Dark and Bey Sahli, completed at 14.5kmph—showing that age is no barrier to endurance success.
GER Standouts
🏆 2-Day 80km (GER)
A strong win for Victoria Ham (South West) riding HS Remy, averaging 13kmph with a finishing pulse of 42bpm and earning 40.8 PF points. Just behind was Susan Rossi (North West) on Wickwood Park Domino, finishing with an impressive 40.0 PF points.
🏆 65km GER – Ermine Trophy
A commanding performance by Alice Ingram on Best Off Du Vallois (South East), clocking 14.2kmph with a pulse of 41bpm to achieve 47.32 PF points—the highest PF score of the event.
🏆 40km Open/Advanced GER
Victory for Katie Bedwin (South East) and her 19-year-old mare Elayla (South East), riding at 12.5kmph and a 38bpm final pulse for 42.11 PF points. Close behind, Abi Goodrich and Hayleys Secret achieved 40 PF points.
🏆 40km Novice GER
A breakthrough win for Young Rider Megan Bevan (Welsh Nomads) and Gee Wizz, averaging 13kmph and scoring 40.91 PF points—impressive for a pair new to the sport this year.
🏆 30km Novice GER
Karen Burch (South & West Wales) and her Irish Draught Max's Maggie May triumphed at 11.8kmph and 47bpm pulse—no easy feat in the heat for a heavier horse.
🏆 28km Novice Foundation GER
Alexandra Embiricos (South East) riding ex-racehorse Cru Bourgeois won with 33.66 PF points—a great example of Thoroughbreds thriving post-racing.
🏆 22km Pony Club GER – Relay Class
The win went to Leola Hammond (Cromwell) on Mease Meadows Precious, completing at 9.9kmph with a 39bpm pulse and 30.26 PF points—future talent shining through.
Summary
The 2025 Cirencester Park Ride offered something for everyone—an exhilarating challenge for seasoned combinations, a nurturing team environment for first-time IR riders, and a critical stepping stone for those with aspirations to ride on the national and international stage.
Despite harsh ground and heatwave conditions, horses were managed beautifully and the atmosphere remained upbeat and supportive. Riders gained invaluable experience riding under pressure, managing hydration and cooling strategies, and working as a unit under the guidance of their Chef d’Equipe.
As the dust settles on a memorable weekend, our thanks go to every single volunteer, official, crew member, sponsor, and supporter who made this event possible. Your contribution upholds the spirit of endurance and ensures the future of our sport.
For photos, full results and future event updates, visit:
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