Popular Cannock Chase endurance ride sells out in just one hour
A hugely popular horse riding event at Cannock Chase has sold out within an hour of entries opening, highlighting the growing appeal of endurance riding among local horse owners.
The Cannock Chase Endurance Ride, taking place on Sunday, March 1, released just 70 places when entries opened – all of which were snapped up in less than 60 minutes. A further 28 riders are now on the waiting list, hoping for a chance to take part.
The event is organised under Endurance GB, the National Governing Body for endurance riding in England and Wales.
The ride takes place in one of Staffordshire’s most beautiful locations. Cannock Chase is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), offering riders spectacular views and a varied landscape of forest tracks, open heathland and well-maintained bridleways. The routes are carefully planned with horse welfare and rider safety at the heart of the event, featuring no gates, no roadwork, and less than 1% of the route on roads. Any necessary road crossings are stewarded wherever possible.
What is endurance riding?
Endurance riding is one of the most accessible equestrian sports, welcoming riders and horses of all breeds and backgrounds. At its heart, it’s about enjoying long-distance riding through beautiful countryside, with distances starting from as little as 16km – roughly a steady two-hour hack.
Horses are checked by qualified vets before and after riding to ensure they are fit, comfortable and happy, and riders set off at calm intervals rather than in a mass start. With well-marked routes, friendly volunteers and a strong community feel, endurance offers a relaxed and supportive way to try something new with your horse.
A long-standing local tradition
Endurance rides have been taking place at Cannock Chase since the mid-1990s, making it a well-established fixture in the local equestrian calendar. The current organiser, Sharon Moore, took on the ride in 2023 with just three weeks’ notice – and has since seen demand go from strength to strength.
“When I stepped in to organise Cannock Chase at very short notice in 2023, I never imagined it would become quite this popular,” said Sharon. “It’s fantastic to see so many riders keen to come and enjoy this incredible place with their horses. Cannock Chase really is perfect for endurance – safe, scenic and varied – and the atmosphere on the day is always so friendly and welcoming.”
Want to get involved?
While Cannock Chase has already reached capacity, there are plenty of other opportunities to try endurance riding. Endurance GB runs a full calendar of rides across England and Wales from March through to October, with events taking place in forests, national parks and countryside locations nationwide.
Whether you’re looking for a new goal, a fun day out hacking with purpose, or simply a different way to enjoy time with your horse, endurance riding could be the perfect fit.
For more information on upcoming rides and how to get started, visit endurancegb.co.uk.
