BHS Stowe Ride 2026

We're excited to be heading back to the stunning setting of Stowe for another wonderful ride this year. The course takes in field margins, winding paths and woodland tracks, with some lovely opportunities for canters and lots to look at - Stowe is where the famous landscape architect Capability Brown's career started. He had a hand in the parklands at Blenheim, Burghley and Badminton amongst many others, so Stowe is in good company!

The route is 6 miles long, with no jumping. You're very welcome to do two laps if you'd like to, just as long as you set off on the second before 12noon (so please book onto one of the earlier start times if you'd like to do this). Start times are between 9.30am and 12noon - just book onto the time you'd like, turn up and collect your number on the day and then head to the collecting ring, where our starter will set you (and your friends, if you're in a group) off at an appropriate interval from the horse(s) in front.

For those wanting a quieter atmosphere, between 12 and 12.30pm we have a walk-and-trot-only section for the novice and nervous. Maybe it's your first outing on a new horse, it's your youngster's first fun ride, or you've just lost a bit of mojo and want to take it steady, safe in the knowledge others on the course should be doing the same. If so, this section is for you!

There are plenty of stewards on course to open gates, and we'll have a photographer and loos. There will be first aid cover on site, and a vet will be on call. Every participant will receive a lovely keepsake rosette too. Don't delay, book your space today!

Terms and Conditions
Please note in particular the vaccination rules - below, in bold in the Horses section.

• Entries cost £30 per rider and close at 11.55pm on Wednesday 19 August 2026 or sooner if the maximum number of entries is reached.
  
• All entrants must hold third party public liability insurance either through being a Gold member of The British Horse Society or via another provider.
• Please report to the organisers' tent on arrival to collect your number.
• Ride start times are between 09.30 and 12.30. Those starting between 12.00 and 12.30 must only walk and trot - this section is designed for nervous/novice horses/riders.
• Always follow the instructions of stewards and officials.
• You will be asked to provide emergency contact details, vehicle make, model and registration on entry.
• Everyone attending the event is responsible for ensuring the safety of themselves and others.
• The BHS, or the venue, cannot provide supervision for attendees under the age of 18. Any participants below the age of 16 years should be accompanied by a responsible adult who remains at the venue for the duration of the course or event. For attendees aged 16-17, or an adult at risk, it is at the discretion of their parent or guardian.
• Please leave the parking area as you found it – don’t muck out your trailer or lorry in the parking area and take dung, and hay, home with you.
• Dogs are permitted on site but must be kept on short leads and must be cleared up after. Riders may not take dogs around the course with them.

Riders

• Riders under 16 years must be accompanied by a responsible adult for the duration of the event.
• Riders 16-17 may ride unaccompanied at the discretion of their parent or guardian.
• Hats to the current standard must always be worn and correctly secured when mounted. It is your responsibility to check yours meets the current standards, which can be found at http://www.bhs.org.uk/headwear The organisers may carry out spot checks and may refuse participation to anyone with a hat not meeting current standards – no refunds will be given.
• Body protectors are optional but if worn should comply with current standards. It is your responsibility to check yours meets the current standards, which can be found at http://www.bhs.org.uk/body-protectors
• Unless directed by a medical professional, or event official or the rules of a competition, riders continue to ride after a fall at their own discretion.
• Participants must wear, clearly visible, the number armband provided to them – this allows our stewards to monitor progress around the course for safety reasons.
• The BHS strongly recommends wearing hi-viz when riding and carriage driving.
• 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.
• All riders, whether they have completed the ride or not, must report their return to the organiser via the finish checkpoint at the re-entry to the lorry park.
• 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. Call out before overtaking, and ride slowly past others. Keep an eye out for green (novice), red (kicker) and tricolour (stallion) ribbons in the tails of other horses, and put the appropriate ribbon in your own horse's tail if needed.
• Do not stray from the planned route or designated areas. Remember horses’ hooves can damage surfaces in wet weather.
• This ride is in farmland, and you may encounter livestock on the course, as well as wildlife – please be aware of stock at all times.
• The organisers will make every effort to have a steward placed on gates on the route but, should we be unable to find enough volunteers, there may be one or two to be opened and closed by riders.

Horses

• This event is being run under the BHS Code of Conduct for Welfare of Horses at Events and Activities.)
• It is a legal requirement to have your horses’ passport when travelling to events.
• All horses must be at least four years of age and be of an appropriate fitness level for the activity being undertaken – hooves, and shoes if worn, 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.
• Any stallions must be informed to the organizer at the time of booking. No person may bring a stallion without ensuring, at all times, that other riders, horses and members of the public are not at risk. Stallions should be identifiable by bridle discs and a red, white and blue tail ribbon. Any stallions deemed to be unsafe by the organiser may be directed to leave the site.
• Any horses known to kick must wear a red tail ribbon. It is a good idea to place a green ribbon in the tail of an inexperienced horse or a horse ridden by a novice rider.
• 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. passports may be checked at the event.
  No passport/no vaccine = no ride for that horse OR any others on the same transport. NO refunds will be given. It is your responsibility to ensure your horse is appropriately vaccinated.
• Horses should not be left unattended when tied to horseboxes, in the parking area or on the ride.

Cancellations/Refunds

• Refunds will only be given upon receipt of a vet's or doctor's note, received by 5pm Thursday 20 August. Refunds will be subject to a £5 administration cost.
• After this date, no refunds will be given.
• It is permitted to substitute horses and riders - an email must be sent to hannah.marsh@bhs.org.uk with the old and new riders' names, requesting the transfer, no later than 5pm Thursday 20 August. The new rider must complete an entry form on arrival to ensure the organisers have emergency contact details.
• If the event is cancelled by the BHS, the entry fee will be refunded less a £5 administration cost per rider.

Medical and Veterinary

• There will be first aid cover on site.
• There will be a vet on call.
• Please comply with all signage on site.

Photography

• Please be aware that there will be an event photographer on site from whom photos can be purchased. There will also be a photographer from the BHS taking pictures and videos.
• We may use photos, video, and information about you on BHS social media, website or magazines. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by emailing dataprotection@bhs.org.uk.
• For more details about how your personal data is used please take a look at our Privacy page: www.bhs.org.uk/privacy or contact dataprotection@bhs.org.uk.
• If you do not wish your photograph to be taken/stored by the BHS or the event photographer, please inform the secretary when you arrive and collect your number, and speak to the photographers on the route.

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.

The British Horse Society is a Registered Charity Nos. 210504 and SC038516