The Golden Horseshoe Ride: An Endurance Challenge Like No Other

Bella Fricker
Apr 30
5 min read

Some of the UK’s top endurance horses, riders, crews and supporters will be arriving in Exmoor National Park for the weekend of 24 to 25 May 2025 to tackle one of the greatest challenges of the season, the Golden Horseshoe Ride.

What is the Golden Horseshoe Ride?

Founded in 1965 by the British Horse Society, the Golden Horseshoe Ride is the UK’s oldest and most renowned endurance horse ride. With the vision of poet Ronald Duncan and Colonel Mike Ansell, the Golden Horseshoe Ride began as a 50-mile linear route from Malmsmead to Welcombe, Devon. The inaugural event was so popular that entries closed a month early, highlighting the ride's immediate appeal. Over the years, the route evolved, and in 1974, it found its permanent home in Exford, Somerset, becoming a cornerstone of endurance riding in the UK.

Known for its challenging terrain, unpredictable weather, and stunning views, it has earned a reputation as one of the ultimate endurance tests for both horses and riders.

Endurance riding is often compared to marathon running, where horse and rider work together, navigating a long-distance course that varies from steep climbs and descents to grassy fields and fast-flowing water crossings. Riders and their backup crews meet at strategic checkpoints to ensure that both horse and rider remain fit and healthy throughout the event. The rugged Exmoor terrain, with its deep valleys and high moors, makes this an adventure like no other.

The History of the Golden Horseshoe Ride

The first Golden Horseshoe Ride had no vetting, no markers, and no pre-determined route, the event required riders to rely on local knowledge and navigate across Exmoor with the help of Exmoor ponies.

Over the decades, the event has evolved, introducing stringent vetting procedures and safety measures to ensure that the welfare of both horses and riders is always a top priority. As the ride grew in popularity, it became a "bucket-list" event for top-level endurance riders and horse lovers alike. Despite the challenges, the Golden Horseshoe Ride continues to attract some of the best riders around the country, showcasing the very best of endurance riding.

The 2025 Ride: What to Expect

The 2025 Golden Horseshoe Ride promises to be bigger and better than ever before. Taking place on May 24-25, 2025, the event will feature multiple classes, from the 75-mile Exmoor Stag to shorter, non-competitive pleasure rides. Each class is designed to challenge riders of all levels, whether you're an experienced endurance rider or just starting out.

Day 1 – Saturday, May 24:

Class 1: Golden Horseshoe 50 Mile Linear (80km; 1 vet gate on course)
Class 2: Golden Clench 25 Mile Linear (40km; open/advanced only)
Class 3: The Golden Team Event (80km; 2 legs)
Class 4: The Exmoor Stag (120km; 2-day 80/40 route)

Day 2 – Sunday, May 25:

Class 5: Otter 40km GER
Class 6: Otter Cub 40km NOVICE GER
Class 7: Bambi 25km Pleasure Ride
Class 8: Fawn 16km Pleasure Ride

In addition to the competitive classes, the ride offers non-competitive pleasure rides that give newcomers and non-endurance riders a chance to experience the stunning Exmoor landscape. For those who want to challenge themselves, the Golden Horseshoe offers a range of awards based on speed and veterinary penalty points. Riders who finish within specific time limits can earn gold, silver, or bronze awards, with the most coveted being the Golden Horseshoe itself.

The Moor to Mountain Challenge, introduced in 2023, is another thrilling opportunity for riders. This challenge involves three iconic endurance events across the UK, including the Golden Horseshoe, the Cumbria Challenge, and the Red Dragon Festival of Endurance. Riders must participate in two of these events to have a chance of winning the Moor to Mountain Trophy.

And let’s not forget the fun dog show taking place on Sunday 25th May, where attendees can bring their four-legged friends to compete in categories such as Waggiest Tail and Best Trick!

Celebrating 60 Years of the Golden Horseshoe

2025 marks the 60th anniversary of this legendary ride. To commemorate the original Golden Horseshoe Ride from 1965, a special Golden Horseshoe Class will be held, following a similar 50-mile linear route. Riders will experience a piece of history as they retrace the route that started it all.

A Legacy of Passion and Commitment

The Golden Horseshoe Ride has faced its share of challenges over the years, but thanks to the dedication of passionate organisers, it has survived and thrived. In recent years, the ride has seen increasing involvement from grassroots endurance riders, as well as a growing number of non-competitive participants. This shift has helped the event remain relevant and accessible to a wider audience, ensuring that the Golden Horseshoe Ride continues to be a landmark event in the endurance riding calendar.

The Golden Horseshoe in 2025: A Call for Support

As with any event of this scale, the Golden Horseshoe Ride requires significant resources to run smoothly. From vet lanes to kilometre markers, there are many ways for riders, families, and supporters to get involved:

Donate to the ride’s fund – Keep the ride alive for future generations. Donate here.
Sponsor a vet lane or kilometre marker – Your support helps ensure the event runs smoothly and that riders and horses are well cared for. Sponsor a vet lane or Sponsor a km marker.
Volunteer – Your time and effort can make a huge difference in helping the event run smoothly. Offer to help here.

How Can You Get Involved?

Even if you're not ready to compete in one of the top-level classes or you've missed the qualification criteria, don't worry – you can still be part of this iconic event by entering the pleasure ride classes, which offer a fantastic opportunity for grassroots riders to experience the beauty of Exmoor at a more leisurely pace.

Spectators are encouraged to attend and cheer on the riders, with some amazing views of the Exmoor countryside. Volunteers are also an essential part of the event, and you can offer your support in a variety of roles. The Golden Horseshoe Ride thrives on the dedication of its community, so if you’re able to contribute in any way, it’s always greatly appreciated.

For those aiming to challenge themselves, make sure you complete the necessary qualification rides before 12th May 2025. Classes like the Golden Horseshoe 80km and the Exmoor Stag 120km require a minimum of one 60km ride completed prior to entry.

The Golden Horseshoe – A Must-Attend Event for Endurance Fans

As the 60th anniversary draws near, mark your calendars for 24-25 May 2025 and join us in celebrating one of the toughest and most rewarding challenges in the endurance riding calendar. Come for the competition, stay for the community, and leave with memories that will last a lifetime.

Find out more about the event and how to get involved at www.goldenhorseshoeride.com.

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! ☕💛

Buy me a Coffee