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2010 RIDE REPORT

Farnham Bluebell Ride 2010

This year's ride took place on Sunday April 25th and, despite good forecasts, it turned out to be wet in the morning although later starters were able to enjoy almost perfect weather. Some of the tracks had been like concrete due to an absence of rain for about a month and at least the rain did soften the surface slightly. Due to concerns about safety we ran the ride in reverse direction this year so that the majority of jumps together with the hills and ditches came at the end rather the beginning of the ride. This appears to have been a popular decision with riders and many were able to enjoy the jumps far more as a result.

Once again nearly 400 riders participated and were well spread over the 5, 10 and 15 mile routes although the hard ground probably accounted for fewer than usual doing 15 miles. Sadly a few couldn't make it at the last minute due to various problems but hopefully they will be back with us next year. A few riders and horses went their separate ways, mainly with pride being the only casualty although one poor lady had a heavy fall from her horse near the end of the course and was checked over by the Red Cross and NHS paramedics. Luckily she was not too badly hurt and did not have to go to hospital. Following riders who were badly held up were extremely patient even though some had to miss some of the new jumps whilst the casualty was being moved. Early on we had a problem with a bird scarer gun which had been inadvertently left on, however this was soon disabled by an intrepid steward!

Farnham PCC again provided stewards at regular intervals and received virtually unanimous praise from the riders for the organisation and direction of the ride. The refreshments, largely home-made, at the start and the halfway house were extremely popular.

The bluebells were of course late this year but there were also plenty of primroses and other wild flowers to enjoy. Thanks to the generosity of the landowners and farmers, the route was virtually unchanged, thus retaining our objective of keeping road work to a minimum.

Our photographer, Aurar, again took excellent photographs which are all available from their website.

More and more entrants are downloading their forms from our website which is a nice saving on paper and postage and our email database now enables to easily pass on information about the Ride and answer general queries. Sadly we cannot yet accept electronic entries but who knows one day! Anyone wishing to join this database should send an email to bluebell.ride@btinternet.com We do not share or sell this database.

Sponsorship this year was for Farnham Church, the Isobel Hospice and the St Clare Hospice. There was very keen competition for the most sponsorship obtained with some nice prizes going to the winners. Our new sponsors, In the Saddle very generously supplied lovely rosettes for all entrants. They also had a small display of their riding holidays which attracted a lot of attention. We are most grateful to them for their support.