Record medal tally at the Golden Horseshoe
The medal tally at this year's Golden Horse Ride over Exmoor set a new record - and the riders said the weather played an important part in their success.
Riding in bright sunshine, but with a cooling wind on the second day, the four classes notched up a total of 15 Gold medals, 22 Silver and nine Bronze.
Barbara Wigley, leader of the organising committee and responsible for the revival on the Horseshoe's fortunes, said: "The main thing that came out this year is the lessons that have been learned about competing in heat and
sun, and the consideration that most riders show their horses over this very demanding country."
But there was disappointment. Jackie Hatthorn, the visiting American rider competing on a borrowed horse, failed to pass the final vetting because of slight lameness, and BBC Television's Countryfile reporter Adam Henson failed the vetting at the start of the second day because his horse, Summerfold Windsor, was favouring a small cut in his heel.
"It was sad but it does emphasise that in our sport, the welfare of the horse is held above everything else," said Mrs Wigley.
After his disappointment, Adam, who said he was "gutted, but poor old Windsor comes first", went on to support one of his trainers, Nikki Routledge, who took a Silver in the 100-mile class. "I didn't do much. Just threw some water about. But it was all an eye opener to see what goes into
this sport," he said.
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