The Silver Spur

THE SILVER SPUR, THE FOXHUNTERS RIDE and THE TOM NICHOLS CUP Saturday, 27th April 2024

Instructions and Rules Enter online at www.horse-events.co.uk

Venue:- Barnetts Barn Farm, Marston Doles, Southam, CV47 7SS

1. The 2024 Silver Spur will take place over a grass course in the Priors Hardwick area. The course will be in the region of 2.5 miles long with approximately 24 hedges over good trail hunting country.

2. There will be a section in every fence that is no larger than the average size fence you would encounter on a day’s trail hunting in that area. Therefore, the Silver Spur will be suitable for those who wish to have a pleasant ride across country at their own pace on a FIT horse, as well as those who wish to compete for the prizes.

3. Prizes will be awarded in 3 separate classes, the Silver Spur, the Foxhunters Ride and the Tom Nichols Cup. Members taking part in the Silver Spur must carry a minimum weight of 11st 7lbs to include their saddle and breastplate, but NOT the horse’s bridle or the rider’s hat and body protector. Weighing scales will be available at the Secretary’s tent before the start of the ride.

4. The first 5 finishers in the Silver Spur must weigh in afterwards at the finish.

5. Members must enter in the correct class and WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO CHANGE CLASS after entries have closed. The minimum age is 17 years. Entries must be received by Tuesday 23rd April 2024.

6. All members taking part in the Silver Spur will be asked to contribute £85 up to the closing date for entries on 23rd April 2024. The contribution will not be refunded after the closing date unless their place is taken by someone on the waiting list. Remittances must accompany entries (otherwise entry will not be valid). Entry for the Tom Nichols Cup £30.00.

7. The Silver Spur and Foxhunters Ride will be limited to 40 members. If the entry list is full, members may only be placed on the waiting list on receipt of entry form, together with the full fee (refundable in full only if withdrawn by 23rd April 2024).

8. Numbers for riders will be issued at the Secretary’s tent before the start.

9. Foxhunters Ride – This will take place over the same course but will be run under a bogey time set by certain members of the BHWC on a previous day. It will start approximately 30mins after the Tom Nichols Cup for the course builders to check and rebuild the necessary fences. Entries must be made before taking part and the entry fee is £85.00. There is an age limit for the Foxhunters Ride minimum of 16 years and participants must be capable riders and preferably accompanied.

10. Tom Nichols Cup – this is run over approximately half of the Silver Spur Course and is for 12-16 year olds. There will be an adult accompanying them around the course (13 fences) in case of any stops and assistance needed.

11. Full details of the course including a plan, together with instructions about horse boxes and parking will be emailed about 3 days before the event.

12. Members taking part in the Silver Spur are particularly reminded that horses should be fully fit to run over about 3 miles before being entered and may be subject to veterinary inspection. Similarly for the Foxhunters Ride.

13. All Members taking part in the Silver Spur, the Foxhunters Ride and the Tom Nichols must walk the course before taking part.

14. The organisers reserve the right to ask any rider to stop during all 3 rides, if the horse is considered unfit to continue for any reason.

15. Crash Hats to current recognised British or European Safety Standards must be worn by all members taking part in the Silver Spur, the Tom Nichols and the Foxhunters. Hats must meet with one of the following standards – British All PAS15, VG1 or European VG1 provided they are BSI Kitemarked. Competitors are strongly recommended to check their hats regularly and to replace them if damaged or following a fall. All those mounted at the Silver Spur (including grooms and helpers) must wear a hard hat complying with the above standard.

16. All competitors must also wear a British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) approved and appropriately labelled 2018 Level 3 Body Protector manufactured in the year 2018 or after. Air jackets must be worn with an approved body protector. PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL BODY PROTECTORS AND AIR JACKETS MUST BE BETA 2018 APPROVED (blue and black label).

17. Tack carried by the horse should be suitably marked to ensure that loose horses are quickly returned to their owners.

18. Members participate in the Silver Spur, the Foxhunters Ride and the Tom Nichols Cup do so entirely at their own risk. Neither the organisers, nor the owners of the land, whose kindness makes this event possible, accept any liability for accidents to members or their horses or their vehicles.

19. In the event of cancellation, we will notify competitors by email. Notices will also be posted on social media. 70% of the fee will be refunded in the event of cancellation.

20. The judges reserve the right to disqualify any contestant who, in the opinion of the judges, has ridden in a dangerous or inconsiderate fashion, or behaved in any manner inappropriate. The judge’s decision is final.

21. The prize giving for the Silver Spur, the Tom Nichols Cup and the Foxhunters Ride will be awarded at approximately 1.00pm.

22. The Results for the Silver Spur is fastest one round wins, the Foxhunters Ride is set to a bogey time and the same applies to the Tom Nichols Cup. RULES 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 will also apply to those taking part in the Foxhunters Ride. The Silver Spur will be run at 11.00am The Tom Nichols Cup will be run at 11.45am The Foxhunters Ride will be run at 12.15pm Prize Giving – approximately at 1.00pm

ORGANISER: – LAURA GOSLING – lauragosling1@hotmail.co.uk