MORE than 35 intrepid endurance riders braved the freezing north wind on Dartmoor on Sunday week to attend one of the many training rides organised by Endurance GB South West.

The ride, organised by Jo Chisholm, started from the car park at Willsworthy Camp, near Lydford, and the route skirted around Mary Tavy and Lydford Commons, before crossing over the main road to follow the old bridleway tracks around Gibbet Hill.

The going was excellent ? having had no rain for more than a week, the tracks were ideal going, and the riders returned with smiling faces, despite the cold wind almost blowing them out of their saddles on some of the more exposed parts of the route.

All riders and horses thoroughly enjoyed themselves, giving a much needed boost to their fitness training as part of the build up to longer rides later in the season.

The riders were rewarded on their return with rosettes and home made brownies, which are now a tradition with the Lydford Ride.

Jo Chisholm expressed thanks to Dartmoor National Park Authority, the MoD, the Dartmoor Commoners? Association, South West Water and DEFRA for giving permission for the ride to take place. Thanks also went to all the helpers who ensured the safe and smooth running of the event.

l The next event will be the St Meubred?s endurance GB event which is at Cardinham, Cornwall on Sunday, April 18. Contact 01288 821328.