A ‘SUMMER SOLSTICE’ RIDE RETURNS TO THE NEW FOREST In 1975, the first 100 mile ride in a day was run amid much anticipation and not a little trepidation with competitors embarking on an unknown journey. At just after 4am on Saturday 21st June, approx 26 riders set off from Jennie Loriston Clarke’s Catherston Stud at Brockenhurst on this epic and historical landmark in Endurance history. The ride was advertised as 100 miles in 24hrs, and the eventual winner was Ann Hyland on her well known Arab stallion Nizzolan.      In 2011, 36 years after that first event, the Mid South Group has secured New Park at Brockenhurst for the return of this ride. New Park backs on to that first venue, and much of the original route will be echoed in the 2011 ride, with our resident course designer, Berry Stone at the helm. Due to the vast explosion of tourism in the forest, we would not be able to hold an ER nowadays, so are using our own Rufus System to run a 100 KM class as a test run for a possible 100 miler next year. Unfortunately we have had to postpone our 100km class but it will be there in 2012! The Rufus system will be used for all the classes, giving everyone the chance to shine and be one of the prizewinners. Our usual popular Team Event will again take place on the Saturday, and on Sunday we are to host a Pony Club regional qualifier along with Discover Endurance.      The Rufus scoring system, which is complimentary to the grading system is based on an optimum speed and heart rate, awarding points on a sliding scale, points for grades, and tiebreakers based on presentation time at finish and speed. This enables us to place the whole class, and special rosettes, certificates and prizes will be awarded down to 6th place in each class.   So MAKE A DATE IN YOUR DIARY FOR JUNE 18TH AND 19TH. 2011