THE returning Endurance GB Hexham Ride was again well supported with close to 70 entrants spread across six classes.

Riders headed to the Dodds' farm at Cooks House, in Hexhamshire, for the 29th instalment of the event, which included a 40km graded and novice graded endurance ride, a 30km graded and novice graded endurance ride, and pleasure rides over 30km and 18km.

This year's routes took in a mixture of the beautiful scenery provided by the moorland and farmland throughout the Shire.

The winners of the Pleasure Pairs Trophy, donated by Gloucester Lodge, were Jackie Axcell, riding Derwent Lucky Lad, and Jo Davison, on Guisburn Golden Cobweb, whose times put them closest to the optimum speed for the 30km pleasure ride of 10.58kph.

Carltons Equine of Blyth sponsored the best condition award for the 40km distance, and the winner of a £30 voucher was Carolyn Cummings, riding Zim Nazka.

All riders finished apart from Julie Mclean who took a nasty tumble when her horse, A Patchy Joe, was spooked when a grouse flew under him.

An ambulance was needed to access the moor using a shooters' track, and Julie is currently recuperating in hospital after surgery for four fractures to her shoulder and arm.

But she counted herself lucky that the injury wasn't worse.

She said: "I've been wearing an air jacket as I've been backing my four-year-old, and I thought I may as well wear it for the rides. I'm glad I did or it could have been far worse."

Julie thanked those who helped during her ordeal, including ride organiser Sarah O'Neil who rode Joe back to the venue.

Her riding companion Pam Joyner said: "Than you to Christine Hogarth for all her help, Nicola Lewis and Wendy Wilson who called the ambulance and stayed with Julie when we took the horses back. And the medic and everyone else who gave or offered help."

Endurance GB chairman Paul Axcell conveyed the group's best wishes for a speedy recovery.

The Northumberland and Tyneside Endurance GB Group's next ride is at Alwinton on Sunday, September 10. More details can be found at www.northumberlandandtynesideegb.co.uk.