THE Frensham Sponsored Ride scheduled for Sunday, April 22, will skip a year because of restrictions to control foot-and-mouth disease.
But the organisers - who have now taken over the Hamptons Sponsored ride in September - hope to make up some of the shortfall in donations to local charities by raising even more money.
The Hamptons Sponsored Ride at Seale will be on Sunday September 23, thanks to the kind permission of Sir Richard Thornton and his estate management team.
The Hamptons Ride has been sponsored by property agents Hamptons International since the start 21 years ago, and even more remarkably has been organised over the years by the same team of Hazel and Tim Denehy - well-known figures in the equestrian world - from near Alton, Hampshire.
Now taking a well-earned break after this amazing effort, Tim and Hazel have passed the reins to the organisers of the Frensham Sponsored Ride, who will run both of these cross-country events in the future.
"We're delighted to have been able to step in and save the Hamptons ride," said organising committee chairman Chris Hussey of Tilford.
"Over the years the Frensham and Hamptons rides have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for national and local charities, as well as providing a lot of fun for riders. lt's sad to have to cancel the Frensham event this year, but we wouldn't want to take any risks, and the commons are closed anyway."
"However, we're planning a really superb day for the Hamptons ride this year with a lot of re-building on the course. We're also hoping to offer a one-mile racehorse training gallop as an option in the ride, as well as more challenging fences for the bolder horse and rider."
Last year the two events together raised nearly £40,000. This is divided between national and local charities including Great Ormond Street Hospital, Riding for the Disabled, Macmillan Nurses and Cheshire Homes, as well as local riding and youth clubs, hospices, and management of the commons that form part of the rides.
The Hamptons course of some eight miles and 30 jumps was ridden by around 500 last year. There is plenty of space for many more to enjoy these well-stewarded events.
Riders from all over the area are invited to put the date in their diaries.
Riders set off in small groups or individually at intervals from 9.30 am during the day, and collect a rosette on completing the course, whether or not they choose to jump the obstacles that range from 1'6" to around 3.0".
Entry forms are available (send SAE) from Mrs C Cook, Stream Cottage, Frensham Lane, Churt, Farnham, Surrey GU10 2QH. Entry fee is £6, and a minimum of £17 sponsorship is required.