What Happens on the Day — Ride Guide

Whether you’re a newcomer or a seasoned rider, here’s exactly what to expect.

Arrival & Parking

Arrive in good time to tack up and settle your horse. All rides start at 11am.
Field Masters and volunteers will guide you to parking.
Parking is always arranged to be suitable for a range of vehicles.

The Meet

Be mounted and ready by 11am.
Riders check in with Field Masters and volunteers.
A short briefing explains the route, pace, hazards and jumping options.
A time to settle your horse and have a catch-up with friends.

The Ride Itself

Rides follow a fixed, pre-scouted route, agreed with landowners.
Groups are led by Field Masters.
All jumps are optional, with a way round always available.
The field remains together at all times, except for a short jump/non-jump detours e.g. to the gate in the corner of the field.
The field stays as one across all country and through gates, no-one is ever left behind.
Pace depends on the type of ride:
- Summer Ambles – relaxed, friendly and steady
- Autumn Exercise – moderate fitness-building pace
- Peak Season Rides – more forward, traditional countryside riding
The ride always concludes back at the start, meaning no long hack back to lorries.

Codes of practice

Always remain behind the Field Master unless you are specifically instructed otherwise.
Pass instructions promptly — if a message is given by a Field Master, ensure it is passed up or down the field without delay.
Maintain a safe distance from the horse in front at all times. Do not use another horse as a means of stopping or controlling your own.
Give space to officials and volunteers. If a Field Master, or support rider needs to pass, move aside safely and allow them through.
Wear a visible and suitable ribbon in the tail for young or inexperienced horses, stallions or horses who kick.
Follow the marked or instructed route only. Do not take your own line, ride off-track, or explore other areas, even if they look tempting.
Respect the land and its owners. We ride solely through the generosity of landowners — be polite, considerate, and treat all land, gates, crops, livestock and infrastructure with care.
Give horses space at jumps. If your horse hesitates or stops, move aside promptly to prevent blocking the fence or creating bottlenecks. Let others jump safely before you try again.
If someone falls, riders nearest to the incident should stop where safe, offer assistance, call for support, and remain with the rider until they are remounted or help arrives.
If you need to leave the ride early, inform the Field Master before leaving, return using public rights of way or roads where possible. Do not cross land we have not been given permission to ride.

After the Ride

Thank your Field Masters, volunteers and most importantly the landowners.
Return safely to parking and ensure the area is left tidy.
Keep an eye out for photos posted later on social media.

Rider & Horse Turnout

At Midlands Riding Club we are proud of the countryside we ride across and the landowners who generously support us. A standard of sensible, respectful turnout helps us present the club well and ensures everyone is safe and comfortable.

Below is a guide to what we expect for riders and horses on different types of rides.

General Expectations (All Rides)

These apply across the board:

An up-to-standard riding hat (current BSI / PAS / ASTM)
Sensible riding boots with a heel
Gloves recommended
Long sleeves preferred for hedges and woodland sections

Summer Ambles – Informal Dress

Perfect for newcomers, families, and those wanting a relaxed experience.

Typical attire:

Smart polo shirt or base layer
Gilet, lightweight jacket or jumper
Comfortable breeches/jods
Neatly turned out horse with well fitting tack, plain numnah and tack.

Autumn Exercise Rides – Semi-Formal Dress

Typical attire:

Tweed jacket or ratcatcher
Shirt & tie/stock
Neutral fitted jumper or waistcoat
Light breeches (beige or cream)
Clean boots
Neatly turned out horse with well fitting tack, plain numnah and tack.

Peak Season Rides – Formal Attire

Recommended:

Black or navy hunt coat / riding jacket
White shirt with stock
Light breeches
Polished boots
Hair neatly secured
Neatly turned out horse with well fitting tack, plain numnah and tack. It is usually expected that horses will be plaited or hogged, and native ponies may have natural manes.

If you prefer not to wear full formal kit, a clean tweed jacket or smart hacking outfit is perfectly acceptable.

Children’s & Newcomer Meets – Relaxed Dress Code

Suitable attire:

Smart, clean pony club-style dress
Pony Club / riding club jackets
Polo shirts or jumpers
Body protectors recommended (required for minors)
Safe footwear

These meets focus on confidence, safety, and enjoyment.

Newcomers’ Guide

Joining your first MRC ride? Here’s our best advice.

Before You Arrive

Make sure your horse is comfortable in a group.
Depending on the time of year and ride type, make sure your horse is fit enough to attend.
Check tack, boots and fit.

At the Ride

Introduce yourself to the Field Master — they love meeting newcomers.
Position yourself where you feel safest: near the back if nervous.
Keep a horse’s length between you and the next rider.
If unsure: ask! No question is too small.

During the Ride

If you don’t want to jump — simply peel off with the non-jumping group.
If you have any issues, speak to a Field Master, who can do what they can to help.

Most Importantly

Relax, enjoy the countryside and have fun. Everyone was a newcomer once — we look after each other.