BHS Ayrshire and Ayr Riding Club New Year Beach Ride At Irvine Beach

Thursday 2 January 2025

All welcome.

Faster groups set off at 9am.

Slower groups set off at 9.30am.

You will be allocated into small groups of riders and given a start time prior to the day. Groups can be as small as 2 riders.

Location: Irvine Beach.

Bookings close Tuesday 31 December at 10am unless it is full before then.

Tea, coffee & soup will be provided on the day.

There will be a photographer on the day – Kris Clay Photography.

Meet at carpark on the right at the end of Beach Drive, Irvine Beach Park.

Please take your horse dung home with you.

Please note that this ride will involve small groups along the beach and not everybody together.

If you are not a Riding Club or BHS Gold member, please ensure that you have your own public liability insurance as you ride at your own risk along the beach. Please ride responsibly at all times.

Cost: £5 plus optional donation.

Conditions of Entry :

General

• All entrants must hold third party public liability insurance either through being a Gold member of The British Horse Society or via proof from another provider.
• Always follow the instructions of marshals and officials.
• You will be asked to provide emergency contact details, vehicle registration when booking.
• Everyone attending the event is responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves and others.
• Please leave the parking area as you found it – don’t muck out your trailer or lorry in the parking area and take dung home with you.

Riders

• Hi-viz clothing must be worn on the horse and rider.
• Riders under 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of the event.
• Hats to the current standard must always be worn and correctly secured when mounted. Please check yours meets current standards which can be found at http://www.bhs.org.uk/headwear
• Body protectors are strongly recommended and should comply with current standards – also found on the BHS website at http://www.bhs.org.uk/body-pro...
• All riders must wear suitable riding footwear. Wellington boots and trainers are not allowed.
• Riders are advised to carry a mobile phone and be aware of the emergency contact number for the event.
• Always ride with courtesy, care and consideration to fellow users of the route including equestrians, cyclists, walkers, particularly those who may be elderly, disabled, children, or simply be frightened of horses. Ride slowly past others.
• If the event incorporates using a road, ensure the Highway Code is adhered to.
• Do not stray from the planned route or designated areas. Remember horses’ hooves can damage surfaces in wet weather.
• Leave gates as you find them and ride slowly past any livestock.

Horses

• All horses must be no younger than four years of age and be of an appropriate fitness level for the activity being undertaken – hooves and shoes must be in good condition.
• It is the rider’s responsibility to ensure their horse is fit and healthy enough to complete the chosen distance comfortably.
• Tack must be suitable, in safe condition and fit correctly.
• All horses must be up to date with annual  equine influenza vaccinations and must be 6 days clear from their most recent booster vaccination. Further vaccination guidance can be found using the BRC Flu Vac Checker, downloadable here.
• Horses should not be left unattended when tied to horseboxes, in the parking area or on the ride.
• It is a legal requirement to have your horses’ passport when travelling to events.

Cancellations

• No refunds within 7 days of the ride.
• If the event is cancelled by the BHS, the entry fee will be refunded less £2 administration cost.

At check out you will be asked to give your consent for your photographs and video footage to be used by The British Horse Society in printed, online or electronic publications, which may be shared publicly. Examples of these materials include, but are not limited to: posters, leaflets, brochures, adverts, emails, e-newsletters, blogs, web pages, social media posts, presentations, speeches, research or policy reports and press releases or other materials.