Sheriff's Ride 2026 Equestrian Event Information and Entry

Ride Rules and Terms & Conditions

The following points summarise the conditions published by Lichfield Sheriff’s Ride for equestrian participants.

1. Changes to the conditions: the organisers may amend the Terms & Conditions as arrangements develop and will advise riders of changes.
2. Agreement to the rules: every rider taking part must comply with the published Ride Rules and Terms & Conditions.
3. Personal responsibility: riders participate at their own risk and are responsible for both themselves and their horse.
4. Age, competence and insurance: riders must be at least 12 years old, competent to take part and have appropriate public liability insurance. Riders under 16 must ride independently, cannot use a lead rein, and must be accompanied by a mounted adult over 18 who is responsible for no more than one under-16 rider.
5. Vaccinations and injury: horses must be up to date with annual vaccinations. Any sign of injury must be reported to the Lead Marshal, who may consult the attending vet; their decision on whether the horse may continue is final.
6. Horse passport: a horse passport must be carried whenever the horse is being transported.
7. Shoeing: if a horse is shod, riders should ensure that it has been shod reasonably recently before the event.
8. Dress and presentation: because the Sheriff’s Ride is a ceremonial event, riders and horses should be smartly presented in hunting or show dress. Plaiting is encouraged but not compulsory. Riding hats must meet British Standards; body protectors and suitable additional clothing may be worn where appropriate.
9. Tack and whips: horses must be ridden in a recognised bridle and bit. Draw reins and other special reins are not permitted, and neither are dressage or schooling whips.
10. Stallions: stallions are not permitted on the ride.
11. Red tail ribbons: horses that may kick must wear a red tail ribbon.
12. Green tail ribbons: green tail ribbons should be used for novice horses or riders and for riders taking part for the first time.
13. Riding blocks and spacing: horses are expected to remain within their allocated riding block. Riders should ask before passing, remain courteous, maintain a safe distance and ensure that their horse is safe in a large group and on the public highway. Riders are asked to travel in pairs when on public roads.
14. Unsafe riders or horses: marshals may require any rider or horse considered a danger to others to leave the ride.
15. Lead Marshal: the Lead Marshal sets the pace and must not be overtaken unless permission is given. Riders must follow the route taken by the Lead Marshal.
16. Marshals: marshals are there to support the safe and smooth running of the ride and can be identified by orange bibs.
17. Ride numbers: each rider will receive a ride number on arrival. It must remain visible throughout the event and does not indicate riding position.
18. Arrival and readiness: the published Ride Rules require riders to arrive before 9:00 AM and be mounted by 9:30 AM. Riders who are not ready may be unable to join the ride, may forfeit fees paid and may be refused access if they arrive late.
19. Horse droppings: riders are responsible for ensuring horse droppings are cleared from Stowe Fields.
20. Emergency assistance: riders needing urgent help should speak to a marshal. Other riders should continue unless the Lead Marshal instructs them to stop.
21. Falls, injuries and medical assessment: first aiders will be present. Following a fall or injury, the rider must be assessed by the medic and should only continue if considered fit. Riders who decline medical assistance and continue do so at their own risk. Falls or injuries must also be reported to a marshal so an accident form can be completed.
22. Emergency contact: riders should arrange for an emergency contact who is available throughout the event and can collect both rider and horse if required.
23. Leaving the ride early: a rider leaving early may return by road where appropriate. Gates must be closed if returning through fields. Riders who leave early are no longer covered by the ride insurance and cannot re-join the ride.
24. Vehicles: only official vehicles are permitted to accompany the ride.
25. Unattended horses: horses must not be left unattended at any time.
26. Prize draws: entry to prize draws is limited to participants aged 16 or over.
27. Route and timing changes: the Lead Marshal and/or Clerk of the Course may change the route or timings on the day. Marshals will communicate changes where possible.
28. Personal data: the organisers state that participant data will be retained for two years. Emergency-contact information is retained from registration until after the ride and may be provided to attending emergency services and the relevant ride marshal when required.
29. Weather: the event is intended to take place regardless of the weather, but the route may be changed in adverse conditions where this is necessary for safety.