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The Golden Horseshoe Ride 2025: Celebrating 60 Years of Endurance on Exmoor

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This weekend marks a truly special occasion in the world of British endurance riding: the 60th anniversary of the Golden Horseshoe Ride. Since 1965, this iconic event has tested horse and rider partnerships over Exmoor’s wild and unforgiving terrain, and in 2025, it returns in full force with 115 combinations entered across a weekend packed with action, atmosphere, and celebration.

This year’s programme includes a special Golden Horseshoe Class — a one-day, 80km linear route inspired by the original 1965 ride — and the ever-popular Exmoor Stag, a two-day 120km contest over the moors.


As for me? I’ll be riding in the Bambi — let’s take a look at the riders braver than I am, who have taken on the big ones this year: the 1-day 80km and the 2-day 120km. These are the combinations putting themselves to the test on one of the toughest (and most beautiful) endurance courses in the country.


A Historic Challenge Reimagined


To commemorate the ride that started it all, a special one-day Golden Horseshoe Class (80km linear) will retrace elements of the original 1965 route.


From gritty first-timers to veterans of the moor, the field is full of compelling stories:

  • Andrea Champ & Druimghigha Lantana (18yo) - This seasoned pair have a long-standing relationship with the moors. Their track record includes a 160km BRONZE in 2018 and a GOLD in the 2-day 120km in 2022, showcasing their ability to dig deep on this tough terrain. With age and experience on their side, Andrea and Lantana will be ones to watch.

  • Charlotte Robinson & Harepies Magic Mila (13yo) - A partnership that’s steadily building experience at the higher levels. After a hiccup last year when Mila went lame in the 2-day 120km, Charlotte returns for redemption. The pair have enjoyed Exmoor before, completing a pleasure ride back in 2019. This weekend marks their biggest shared challenge yet.

  • Fiona Griffiths & Warrens Hill Caszidy (16yo) - Few know the Golden Horseshoe better than Fiona — this will be her 12th time competing here. Caszidy earned BRONZE in 2023 and followed it up with GOLD in the 80km last year, proving he’s a solid bet for success on this course. Expect a thoughtful, measured campaign from a pair who know exactly what's required.

  • Hollie Brewell & Cotswolds Shaquille (8yo) - Newcomers to the Golden Horseshoe but showing plenty of promise. This young Arab gelding and his rider have already tackled two 65km rides this season, giving them valuable preparation. This will be their first attempt at 80km — and their first taste of Exmoor’s infamous climbs.

  • Katy Mellor & Phoenix (12yo) - Back for her 6th time, Katy is a familiar face on the moor. She and Phoenix claimed GOLD in the 80km last year, and return hoping to repeat that success. Their partnership reflects the kind of quiet consistency that GHS rewards — experienced, prepared, and confident.

  • Maisie Denham & The Red Barron (13.2hh pony) - A brilliant example that endurance isn’t just for Arabs. This pony packed with heart claimed GOLD in the 80km in 2024, showing he has both the fitness and mindset for the job. A crowd favourite thanks to his size and grit.

  • Mary Stubbs & Sachiya (17yo) - Mary first rode GHS in 1997, and she brings decades of insight to this year’s ride. Her current partner, Sachiya, has two 160km completions here — both with SILVER — underlining their reliability and ability to stay sound over big distances. Expect a calm, calculated ride.

  • Melanie Bradley & Supermalc (13yo) - After a 15-year break, Mel returns to GHS with a new partner. Supermalc has completed an 80km over technical ground at the Northern Championships, giving the pair confidence to take on Exmoor. This ride is a big comeback moment for them both.

  • Nichola Pell & The Squire (17yo) - This is Nichola’s first Golden Horseshoe, but not The Squire’s first long ride. They completed their first 80km together last year and bring a steady, experienced mindset. At 17, The Squire’s maturity may well prove an asset over this linear challenge.

  • Philippa Verry & Charterlands Stilton (17yo Irish Sports Horse) - A local rider who knows the ground well. Philippa and Stilton claimed GOLD in 2022 and completed again in 2023. Their familiarity with the terrain — and the mental game required — could prove invaluable on the linear route.

  • Saffron Bishop & Ty Shute Golden Savannah (16yo) - This combination completed their first 160km in a day in 2022 and also earned a SILVER in the 80km at GHS that same year. They’re not just experienced — they’re competitive. Saffron has long been seen as one of the country’s most polished young riders, and her horse thrives on challenge.

  • Wendy Everson & Dizzy Miss Lizzy (17yo) - Wendy and Lizzy are back for their third GHS. They’ve enjoyed success at 40km level but had a run of bad luck in the 2-day 120km in 2023. This ride is a chance to settle the score with Exmoor and remind themselves what they’re capable of.



Two Days, One Tough Test

The Exmoor Stag (80km on Saturday, 40km on Sunday) attracts some of the most seasoned competitors in the sport. Combining distance with consistency over two days, this class remains a firm favourite.


  • Anja Brandt & Shaarif (10yo) - Two-time BRONZE medallists at GHS in the 80km (2024) and 2-day 120km (2023), Anja and Shaarif are consistent and methodical. Their record shows they know how to pace and produce results — perfect for this demanding format.

  • Caroline Cowley & Santa Ana Mist (10yo) - Their first time at GHS, but Caroline has brought her homebred  into form with two 65km completions this spring. The pair recently tackled the Brendon Hills, which offer a fair test of what Exmoor holds in store. A strong novice horse stepping up to the big time.

  • Chris Rendle & Druimghigha Larikn (8yo) - Chris last rode here in 2022 in the 40km and has steadily built Larikn’s experience, with two 65km completions this spring — again, including the Brendon Hills. The pair are on the rise and this will be a good test of their development.

  • Francis Bakker & Tannasg Solar Flare (10yo) - Based in Scotland, Francis will travel a long way for the ride. She last competed at GHS in 2015, when she earned SILVER in the 2-day 160km. Her current ride, Solar Flare, is proven over distance and this trip could be a welcome return to familiar hills.

  • Georgina Vaughan & Vlacq Journeyman (15yo gelding) - Team GBR Senior Squad vet, Georgina is making her 8th appearance at GHS. Jonty is a new ride for her here, but one with a big record, including a win in the 160km at Red Dragon 2024. This is an experienced pairing with all the right ingredients.

  • Linda Cowperthwaite & Newberrys Ditto (11yo Arab x Appaloosa) - One of the most experienced riders in the country, Linda has over 22,000km under her belt and returns to GHS after a BRONZE in the 2-day 120km last year. Ditto isn’t just tough — he’s fast, having won the 160km Home International in Ireland and an 80km CER at Kings Forest this spring.

  • Susan Rossi & Wickwood Park Domino (19yo) - Although it’s her first GHS, Susy brings a well-travelled partner. Australian import Domino is bred for speed but completed the gruelling 2-day 120km at the Irish Home Internationals in 2024. The pair will be looking to bring that tenacity to Exmoor.


A Full Weekend of Activity

Friday 23rd May marks the start of proceedings, with arrival, vetting and briefings at Treborough.

Saturday 24th May features the long-distance classes and the start of the Exmoor Stag. The dog show and evening dinner and prizegiving at Exford will provide some lighter entertainment after a hard day’s riding.

Sunday 25th hosts the shorter novice and intermediate classes – including the Otter, Otter Cub, Bambi and Fawn classes – giving both rising stars and experienced horses stepping down a chance to shine.

Final prizegiving and dinner are scheduled for Sunday evening, with all competitors departing by Monday morning.


More than just a ride

The Golden Horseshoe Ride remains one of the most respected endurance events in the UK calendar. It combines tradition, community and a genuine physical challenge – all set against the backdrop of one of the country’s most beautiful national parks.


Whether you're a first-time rider, a returning competitor or a supporter on the sidelines, there's something special about the atmosphere on Exmoor during GHS weekend.


For a look back at the history of the ride and what makes it so unique, take a read here: https://www.bellafricker.co.uk/post/the-golden-horseshoe-ride-an-endurance-challenge-like-no-other




If you enjoyed this content and would like to support more blog posts like this, consider buying me a coffee! Your contribution helps keep the site going and ensures I can continue creating valuable content for you. Thank you for your support! ☕💛





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