Equestrian Event & Entry - Sherrif's Ride

9:00 AMArrival

9:40 AMEquestrian departure

17.9 miApprox route distance

5:00 PMEvent end

🎥 Event overview

A historic ride around Lichfield

The Sheriff’s Ride is the annual perambulation of the boundary of the old City and County of Lichfield, held in accordance with the 1553 Charter from Queen Mary.

The experience
The route begins at Stowe Pool Field, with horsebox parking, before a small group heads into the city centre for the official start.

Mixed-terrain route
Riders leave via Cathedral Close and continue across roads, country lanes, trackways and farmland, including private land used with permission.

Ride format
The morning includes roadwork, with organisers aiming to minimise time on main roads. Controlled canters may be possible where permission has been granted.

Key details
Saturday 5 September 2026, Lichfield, Staffordshire. Approximate ceremonial return through Cathedral Close is 4:30 PM.

Route information

2026 equestrian route

The official route is described as provisional and may be changed by organisers in the interests of safety, especially during adverse conditions.

Distance

17.9 miles

Approximate route distance from the Plotaroute map.

Terrain

Mixed

Roads, country lanes, trackways and farmland.

Elevation

800 ft

Raw ascent and descent shown on the route profile.

Route map: check the full map before the event. The route uses some private land with permission and may change after inspection. Open full Plotaroute map

Provisional timings

How the day is expected to run

Timings are provisional and should be treated as guidance for planning, not fixed guarantees.

9:00 AM

Arrival at Stowe Pool FieldArrive, park horseboxes and prepare for departure.

9:40 AM

Equestrian ride departsA small group proceeds to the city centre for the official start.

10:00 AM

Official startDeparture via Cathedral Close to begin the annual boundary ride.

11:15 AM

Short stop near StreethayPlanned short stop at Bod Lichfield, Streethay, to be confirmed.

12:00 PM

Lunch stop at Freeford ManorA planned 45-minute refreshment stop.

12:45 PM

Ride resumesLeaving Freeford Manor across farmland, trackways and roads toward Pipe Hall and Maple Hayes Hall.

4:30 PM

Ceremonial returnArrival through Cathedral Close, accompanied by the cycle ride for public visibility.

5:00 PM

Event endThe Eventbrite listing gives the event window as 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Before you enter

Equestrian rider information

Please read the notes below carefully before booking. The route includes public roads, managed traffic arrangements, farmland, private land and ceremonial sections through Lichfield.

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Horse suitability

Horses and riders should be comfortable in groups, on roads and across mixed terrain.

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Safety first

Follow marshal instructions, traffic management guidance and any route changes issued on the day.

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Respect the route

Private land is used with permission, so please keep to the route and be considerate to landowners and residents.

Important rider notes

Arrive at Stowe Pool Field by 9:00 AM and be ready to depart at 9:40 AM.
The route is subject to road closure orders and traffic management arrangements.
The morning includes a fair amount of roadwork, with trotting likely to reduce time on main roads.
Controlled canters may be possible on permitted farmland sections.
Organisers may alter the route for safety or weather-related reasons.

Frequently asked questions

Where does the ride start?

At Stowe Pool Field, the same start area as the cycle ride. The Eventbrite information includes a What3Words reference for the start/parking area: couches.mutual.over.

Is there horsebox parking?

Yes. The entry information states that Stowe Pool Field has parking for horseboxes.

Is the route entirely on public roads?

No. The Plotaroute notes state that the route crosses private land with landowner permission, alongside roads, farmland and trackways.

Will the route definitely stay the same?

No. It is described as provisional and may be changed by organisers for safety reasons.

Event entry

Sheriff's Ride 2026 Equestrian Tickets

The published ticket range is shown as £50 to £80, with a no-refunds policy on the Eventbrite listing. The event is listed as in-person in Lichfield.

Enter

Good to know

The event supports the Sheriff’s Ride and the annual tradition of riding the boundary of the old City and County of Lichfield.

Check your ticket confirmation and organiser emails before travelling, as route and timing details may be updated.

Built from the official Sheriff’s Ride route page, Plotaroute route details and the Eventbrite listing information available at the time of creation.