Ride on the Sheriff’s Ride
Saturday September 7th 2024
The annual perambulation of the boundary of the old City and County of Lichfield, each September, in accordance with the 1553 Charter from Queen Mary
The ride timings below are provisional as the route is subject to change depending on the available access to farmland and weather conditions. The final route and timings will be confirmed later but we do have a provisional route map here which we will update.
The route is subject to road closure orders with the assistance of traffic management company. We will have lead and support vehicles including Vet & Ambulance as well as a Farrier on call. Some farmland may, however, be inaccessible to these vehicles but they will keep up with us by road.
There will also be a cycle ride running concurrently with this equestrian event and we will be organising points (e.g. at the refreshment stops) where the two rides can coincide. Horses and cyclists will not, however, be mixing along the route. The final arrival into the city will be in combination with the cyclists with at least one support vehicle between horses and cyclists for safety.
This year the Sheriff’s Ride will begin at Stowe Fields https://what3words.com/couches.mutual.over where there is parking for horseboxes. Please be ready to depart at 9:45am. After a small group of horses will go into the City Centre for the 10:00 am official start of the ride - we will be leaving via the Cathedral Close to begin the annual perambulation of the City & County of Lichfield.
The morning does involve a fair amount of roadwork and in order to minimise our time on the main roads we will generally be trotting. Once we access farmland and country lanes we will have more variability in pace and will have controlled canters across some of the farmland.
At approximately 11:15 we will have a short stop at Bod Lichfield, Streethay (toilets) https://what3words.com/exists.plots.often and then we will move on to Freeford Manor arriving around 12:00.
We intend to have a 45 minute stop at Freeford Manor for refreshment. Toilets will be available. Horseboxes or other support vehicles can access via https://what3words.com/wires.chin.gladiators
We will be leaving Freeford at approximately 12:45pm and riding across farmland, trackways and some roads to Pipe Hall for another refreshment stop (toilets) after which we will move on to Maple Hayes Hall for the last canter.
The ride will then combine with the cyclists to form a procession into the City Centre with a ceremonial arrival via the Cathedral Close around 4:30pm in order to maximise our visibility to the public and then to finally return to Stowe Field at about 5pm
The entry fee will be £50 for the ride (approximately 18 miles & including the ceremonial arrival into the city centre)
If you are interested in taking part and supporting this historic event - please follow the link below
Terms & Conditions (including Ride Rules)
The Terms & Conditions may have to be changed as we organise the ride. You will be informed of any changes when your registration is accepted.
Riders participate at their own risk and each rider is responsible for himself/herself and their horse.
Horse welfare is paramount. Should there be any sign of injury, blood or distress to the horse then the Chief Marshal must be informed. The Chief Marshal will consult with the attending Vet to check what action needs to be taken or if the rider must remove the horse from the ride. The decision made by The Chief Marshal and Vet is final.
You are required to have public liability insurance against any claims that may be made against you.
All riders must abide by the Rules.
Riders must obey the instructions of the appointed Ride Marshals. The Chief Marshal and Clerk of the Course decisions are final.
Marshals are appointed to assist in the smooth running of the Sheriff’s. Riders must obey their instructions at all times. Marshals can be identified by a yellow armband.
The Lead Marshal is the pacemaker on the ride and should not be overtaken unless authorised to do so.
The route taken by the Lead Marshal is the only route you should take.
Riders are requested to keep in pairs at all times when the Ride is on a road or street.
No riders under 16 years of age on the day of the ride may participate.
It is the responsibility of each rider to ensure that their horse is safe in the company of other horses and on the public highway. Riders should be competent and able to control the horse which they are riding at walk trot and fast canter.
You will be riding as part of a large group, in close proximity, which will place additional demands on your riding skills, your horse should be prepared and educated to ensure a reasonable standard of behaviour and under control at all times.
Give consideration to other riders; riders are expected to stay in their riding block, but for the safety of all concerned, when passing or overtaking within the block make a request to do so and do so at a walk or trot only.
Any Rider or horse considered by the Marshals to be a danger to other riders will be instructed to leave the Ride.
If a rider requires emergency assistance a Marshal should help. In the absence of a Marshal only one or two riders should stop and help. All other riders should carry on unless halted by the Lead Marshal.
You should make arrangements for an emergency contact, who can attend to collect you and your horse in the event of difficulties, to be available throughout the duration of the Ride.
If a rider has to leave the ride it may be quicker to return by road. If returning through fields always remember to close gates
Any riders leaving the ride at any point will not be covered by the ride insurance and will not be allowed to re-join the ride.
Riders who fail to obey instructions may be asked to leave the ride.
A hard hat to British Standard or equivalent and riding boots are compulsory for all riders. Body protectors may be worn but are not a requirement. In inclement weather, appropriate clothing may be added. This is a ceremonial event and a high standard of appearance hunting or show dress is necessary. The ride number must always be visible (please note – the number does not reflect your position in the ride).
Horses must be ridden in a recognised form of bridle, with or without bit. Draw reins and other kinds of special reins are not allowed. A correctly fitting saddle must be used, it is the rider’s responsibility to ensure that all tack is safe and the horse is under control at all times.
TAIL RIBBONS: Red ribbons are compulsory on an animal that kicks. Green ribbons should be won by novice horses/riders or anyone to be approached with extra caution. Blue ribbons should be worn by stallions. Care and consideration must be exercised when riding with strange horses.
ARTIFICIAL AIDS: Long dressage or schooling whips are not allowed.
First Aid will be in attendance. In the event of a fall or injury, riders are required to be assessed by a medic. You may continue with the ride if the medic considers you fit to do so. Anyone who refuses medical assistance and continues to ride does so at their own risk. Anyone who suffers a fall or injury must report to a Marshal at the end of the ride to fill out an accident form.
Only official vehicles may accompany the ride
No horses are to be left unattended at any time in (or tied to) trailers or horseboxes
GDPR
We will keep data for a year in order to inform you about next year’s ride
Details of emergency contact will be retained from registration until after the ride has been completed and will be provided to any attending emergency service as well as to any attending Ride Marshals who are liaising with them on your behalf
Please note that this traditional event will take place regardless of the weather but in the interests of safety during adverse conditions the organisers may change the published route.