Exclusive BHS Ireland & National Trust Pleasure Ride for Ride Out UK at Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Co Down
Friday, 26 July 2024 – 5.30 to 9pm

We are delighted to be able to announce the date for the first of the  BHS Ireland and National Trust Pleasure Rides for 2024 at Mount Stewart. Pleasure Ride No 4  is Friday 26 July 2024.

This exclusive opportunity is available to BHS Gold Members only and marks the continuing welcome during 2024 of horse riding to Mount Stewart, Portaferry Road, Newtownards, Co Down.

The Londonderry family of Mount Stewart always had horses and ponies and they rode through the grounds at Mount Stewart on trails that were made for just that purpose. The National Trust is working to recover and renovate access to the estate by uncovering and renovating existing paths. We will have access to a variety of  trails in the estate.  The route will be decided close to the time and will depend on weather and ground conditions.  The route is planned to be approximately 5 to 6 miles in length.

Pre-booking is essential with a maximum attendance number of 60 and pre-organised departure times.

There is a strict code of conduct for this event please read to the end of this information and read carefully the full terms and conditions. We have provided information on the current riding hat standards so you can check your riding hat.

Please Note this event is not for lead rein riders.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF ENTRY

General Rules

1. This Ride is limited to 60 BHS Gold Members ONLY
2. Strictly no refunds, except if the event is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.
3. As BHS Gold members you will be covered by Third Party Public Liability Insurance.
4. On arrival all vehicles will be met at the entrance to Mount Stewart, please follow the signs and directions for car parking – please call at the Registration Point following parking
5. Starting times will be staggered and an estimated start time will be emailed to you following booking - this is to ensure you enjoy your ride and to reduce overcrowding so that we can comply with Covid regulations and good practice.
6. You will be sent your rider number and number template by email prior to the event. Please print and attach your number to you.
7. This is a walk and trot ride only due to the terrain.
8. No lead rein, walkers or dogs are allowed.
9. Riders must keep to designated trails and approved areas at all times. Do not ride on cut verges nor poach up the surface. Please leave gates as you find them.
   
10. All riders must report their return to the Registration point.

Your Horse

1. All horses must be over the age of four years and of appropriate fitness level for the activity being undertaken – hooves and shoes must be in good condition
2. Good riding manners are requested. Please note the number of anyone causing difficulty to others and inform the stewards on the route or at the Registration point.
   
3. Horses should not be left unattended in the parking area or on the ride.
   
4. Attendees must ensure tack is sound and properly fitted.
   
5. No stallions are permitted on this occasion.

Riders

1. Hats to the current standard must be worn and correctly secured at all times when mounted. 
   A correctly fitted and secured hat must be worn when mounted, lungeing, leading or loading horses. Hats must carry one of the following current hat standards, PAS 015 (2011), VG1 01.040 (2014-12), ASTM
   F1163 (2004a or 04a onwards), SNELL E2016 AND MUST HAVE Official SNELL label and number, AS/NZS 3838 (2006
   onwards), EN1384 2023. All hats should carry a ‘CE’ mark. 
   (For further information refer to 2024-bhs-event-hat-guide-v1.pdf)
2. Riders who present with an out of date riding hat will not be allowed to ride.
3. All riders must wear suitable riding footwear. Wellington boots and trainers are not allowed
4. It is advised that riders take a mobile phone. An emergency contact number will be provided to you.
5. The BHS strongly recommends wearing Hi Viz when riding and carriage driving.
6. Riders aged 18 and under must be accompanied on the ride by a responsible and suitably experienced adult.
7. The ride takes place on the National Trust Mount Stewart Estate. Riders are requested to respect the generosity of National Trust Ireland and must follow all direction signs and markers. Please respect the Estate and take all litter and droppings home. Please follow the Leave No Trace Ethics.

Disclaimer
The organisers have taken reasonable precautions to ensure the health and safety of everyone present. For these measures to be effective, everyone must take reasonable precautions to avoid and prevent accidents. Neither the organisers nor The British Horse Society accept responsibility for an accident, injury, loss or illness to horse, rider spectator or property whilst at this event.

To see our full Privacy notice, or if you need any further information, please write to:The British Horse Society, Abbey Park, Stareton, Kenilworth, CV8 2XZor visit www.bhs.org.uk/privacy