Highland Pony Society Centenary Celebration Ride at Balmoral Estate

Highland Pony Society Centenary Celebration Ride at Balmoral Estate

The Highland Pony Society and The British Horse Society (Scotland) are honoured to run a fundraising ride as part of the Highland Pony Society Centenary Celebrations at Balmoral Estate on 27 May 2023. 

We are privileged to be allowed on brand new routes through the 300-year-old pine forest exploring some of the best vistas on The Royal Estate. 

Choose from three routes:

5km – Cairns and Obelisks 
A lovely 5km circuit taking in amazing views of Balmoral Estate and Castle with lots of interesting monuments en route.

11km – River Dee and the Woods of Garmaddie
Ride on great tracks that are suitable for carriages too – edging the Lochnagar Massif with views of the Munro. Enjoy mossy green woodland and ride mostly on forest and estate tracks. This route can also be driven.

20km - Garbh Allt and Ballochbuie 
A beautiful new route - not to be missed! On wonderful going explore the largest Caledonian forest in Scotland, rich pinewood with 300 year old trees and the beautiful tumbling cascades of the Garbh Allt Falls.

Please note - the 20km ride will go out first, then the 11km ride and then the 5km.  All riders will be starting  their ride by 12 noon due to the one way system.

Your ride ticket will allow you exclusive access to the famous Balmoral Estate. Catering will be available and all riders will receive a luxury rosette. This is an exclusive event not to be missed !

Fundraising is not mandatory but strongly encouraged. You can add a donation electronically at check out or this can be handed over on the day of the ride.  Money raised will go towards British Horse Society (Scotland).

Cost   

£40 - British Horse Society Members and others.

£30 - Highland Pony Society Members (each ticket is being subsidised £10 by the Highland Pony Society in celebration of the centenary - please ensure you select the correct ticket type and provide your membership number at checkout).

£20 - Visitors must purchase a visitor ticket (under 16's go free).

Cash only catering will be available in the event field and there is also catering, a shop and exhibition in the Castle.

Stabling:  

Stable bookings available for Highland Pony Centenary weekend (including stabling enquiries for those attending the BHS Ride),  please contact Balmoral Estate office from the 1st April 2023.

Info@balmoralcastle.com or call 01339 742554.

Conditions of Entry (please read carefully):

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 on your booking form.
• 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.
• Dogs must be kept under control at all times. 

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.
• You must comply with current Equine ID regulations
• A vet and a farrier will be on call for the duration of the day.

Cancellations

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

Other

• Bookings will only be accepted with a fully completed online booking form. 
• All bookings must be paid for in advance in accordance with the schedule. There will be no exchange of money on the day. Bookings will not be accepted on the day.
• Anyone feeling unwell with Covid-19 type symptoms must not attend.
• Riders must print their own rider number and bring this with them. Each rider will be allocated a number when the times are issued. Please identify yourself by the way of a XC bib, medical armband, showing number on your back or an ID tag. This needs to be on the rider in case of an accident. You can also put an identification number on your horse if you wish (this is not compulsory) which could take the form of a bridle number, number on your numnah or an ID tag.
• There will be passport and vaccination checking on the day. 
• Please adhere to your starting times.
• Each rider will receive a start time prior to the event.
• There will be first aid cover. 
• Please comply with all signage on site.
  
  Please support the resumption of activities that we have all been waiting for so long. Your co-operation is very much appreciated.
  
  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 and the Highland Pony 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.