Emergency Phone Number : 07767 463121

  SCOTTISH ENDURANCE RIDING CLUB

Grampian Branch

Forest of Deer   25^th March 2007

 RIDER INFORMATION

 

Directions to the Venue:

 

From Aberdeen – follow A90 north past Ellon to the Toll of Birness, fork left on the A952 towards Mintlaw. At roundabout in the centre of Mintlaw, turn left onto the A950. Approximately 1.5km along this road take a left into Aden Park. Follow the SERC signs to the venue.

From the North – follow the A98 from Macduff taking a right turn for New Pitsligo (A950). Continue on the A950 towards Mintlaw. Look out for the signs for Aden Park on the right just before entering Mintlaw. Enter the park and follow the SERC signs to the venue

From the West – Best to make for Ellon and then take the A90 north then follow instructions above.

(See http://www.serc-grampian.org.uk/ - link to “rides location map”)

 

Venue

The venue we will be using is one of the car parks in Aden Country Park. Please follow park rules. Dogs must be kept on a lead – at all times. Remove all muck, straw from the venue before leaving.

 

This ride would not have been possible but for the generous help and support we have received from local organisations and landowners including:

 

Mr A Watson – Chapel Park Farm

Bernadette Cassidy – Auchmachar Lodge

Mr & Mrs Stephen – Backhill Croft

Mr Paterson – North Kiddshill

Mrs Mason – Newton of Kiddshill

Mr Robinson – Bruntbrae Farm

Mr Simpson – Windhill Farm

Scottish Woodlands – Mr Taylor

Aberdeenshire Council – Aden Country Park (Mr J Grant)

Buchan Countryside Group

RAYNET

 

Rider responsibilities:

 

1) On arrival collect your number from the admin caravan.

2) Competitive riders hand in their Master Card and Cumulative Mileage Card, with the ride venue and date already filled in. Pleasure/training riders hand in their cumulative mileage card. All riders must hand over their medical card (in a named, sealed envelope if you like).

3) Check if there are any alterations to the route, time allowances or start times (see notice board outside caravan).

4) A flexible start time system will apply: your time band is at the top of this sheet.

5) Wearing your number bib, hand your vet sheet, completed as much as you can, to the vet writer at the vetting area. The vet will take your horse's heart rate and watch you trot it up. Reclaim your vet sheet

6) Go to the farrier in attendance hand your vet sheet to them, your horse's shoes will now be checked to make sure that they are adequate for the distance you're riding. Do not expect him to shoe your horse. Reclaim your vet sheet.

7) Make sure your tack is clean and that everything complies with current regulations. Your hat must be PAS015, ASTM1163, BSEN 1384 or superior standard. Your whip must be no more than 75cm long. You must carry a first aid kit containing at least a triangular bandage, pressure bandage, vet wrap, space blanket, glucose tablets and whistle (some are available for hire on payment of a deposit ‑ ask at the caravan). Wear your laminated medical card on your bib (replacements available at the caravan).

8) At the start, hand your vet sheet to the Starter. Be ready to go when they tell you. Make sure beforehand that you have completed the sheet correctly, including whether your ride is competitive or training (for both of which you must nominate a speed category if you haven't yet achieved your BTF) or pleasure.

9) Tell checkpoint stewards your number as you pass. Don't expect them to make a guess. Parts of this route are used extensively by walkers or cyclists, please be considerate and slow down to pass them. If the instructions and markers tell you to ride round the edge of fields, please do so. Please pay particular attention to the ‘no canter’ restrictions on the disused railway line and observe all ‘walk’ signs.

10) On your return, collect your Finish card from the Starter. You can present to the vet any time within 30 minutes of finishing ‑ the latest time will be on your card. Attend to your horse and go to the vetting area wearing your number bib.

11) After vetting, make your horse comfortable. Allow 30 minutes after vetting before returning your number bib to the admin caravan and collecting your results and your mileage card(s).

 

Markers Most markers are red and white plastic tape. Normally markers will be on your left. Two markers together indicate a turn. At major turns or where the route splits for different classes, look out for signs with arrows directing you according to the class you are riding. The route and talk round is punctuated with letter signs.

 

Refunds and withdrawals  Please notify the Ride Secretary before the ride if unable to attend.  Your place may be used to allow someone else to ride.  Refunds are at the discretion of the Ride Secretary.

 

If you follow these guidelines you are helping to ensure an enjoyable and smooth‑running day for all‑riders, helpers and administrators.