Welcome to the Grand Solstice Challenge

Get ready for our brand-new ten-show series — The Taw River Equestrian Grand Solstice Challenge — designed to reward dedication, celebrate progress, and crown our inaugural 2026 champions!

This exciting challenge is split into two five-show series, but you choose your own path:

• Enter one event, several, or all ten!
• Mix and match between the Summer and Winter Solstice Series — it’s entirely up to you.
• No extra entry fees — just your usual class fees for each event.

2026 Event Dates (some dates may change)

Summer Solstice Series 

January 11th, February 8th, March 8th, April 19th, and May 24th.

Winter Solstice Series 

June 28th, July 26th, September 27th, October 18th, and November 15th.

Your points from both the Summer and Winter Solstice Series are combined to determine your overall standing in the Grand Solstice Challenge.

Classes & Sponsors

All ten shows feature the following classes: 

Please note that “Poles on the Ground” and “Raised on End” classes may be dropped if there is insufficient uptake.

NEW: We also welcome in-hand horses and ponies of any age to compete in any of the first three classes.  

1. Poles on the Ground
2. Raised on End
3. X Poles
4. 50cm
5. 60cm - Sponsored by Pawsonalised pet portraits - Capturing paw-sonality with every portrait
6. 70cm – Sponsored by Torch Equine Vets — Independent vets, dedicated care
7. 80cm – Sponsored by Gatehouse Trailer Bar — Bespoke bar hire for every special occasion
8. 90cm - Sponsored by Helen Tompkins Veterinary Physiotherapy
9. 1.00m – Sponsored by Helen Hollick — Stories of History & Mystery

A Note on Our Friendly Showground Atmosphere We are a fun, friendly, and encouraging Showground! We want everyone to have a positive experience. If you are struggling in the ring from the 60cm class onwards and finding yourself or your horse getting upset: 

• We will immediately send one of our Arena Stewards in to help you. 
• Alternatively, one named family member/assistant is allowed to enter the ring to help you. Remember: Every rider, whether they jump 1.00m or poles, had to start somewhere. Have fun, pat your pony, and smile! The crowd is always on your side! 

General Rules and Class Footnotes - Please read the following rules and regulations, which apply to all Grand Solstice Challenge show jumping classes. 

• Entries are accepted on the condition that all competitors agree to be bound by these Rules & Regulations. Assistance and Handler Rules 
• Lead Rein (Poles, Raised End, X Poles only): Lead rein is most welcome. The lead rein must be attached to the noseband (not the bit). 
• In-hand horses and ponies are also welcome to participate in these three classes.
• Ring Help (Poles, Raised End, X Poles, 50cm): Ring help is welcome in these four classes, with only one person permitted in the ring to assist the combination. 
• Handler Attire: Handlers assisting in the ring are highly encouraged to wear a hard hat and gloves for safety. 
• Outside Encouragement: From the 60cm class onwards, outside encouragement is most welcome (no ring help permitted). 
• Exception for Assistance - For any competitor with Special Needs (applies to all classes) or for Tiny Tots in the Poles on the ground and Raised on end classes only, any request for an exception to the one-person ring help rule must be cleared by the Judge before the class starts. This ensures the safety of all competitors. 

 How the Series Works

Each show awards points for every class.
Your two best results per class count toward your final series and overall total.

Points Allocation

• 1st 50
• 2nd 40
• 3rd 30
• 4th 25
• 5th 20
• 6th 15
• All Other Entrants 10

Separate Junior & Senior Scoring

Rosettes are awarded overall, but points are calculated separately for Juniors and Seniors.
For example, the fastest Junior and fastest Senior each earn 50 points in their own category — even if they place differently overall.

The Style & Performance Championship

Refine Your Riding — Every Rider’s a Winner!

This is an optional, free-to-enter class focused on horsemanship, technique, and harmony between horse and rider.

Points

• 50 Points – awarded simply for entering
• 10–40 Additional Points – based on:
  • Rider’s Style & Position
  • Horse’s Way of Going
  • Harmony Between Horse & Rider
  • Manners & Responsiveness
  • Rider’s Attentiveness
• Exceptionally High Standard 40
• Good, Solid Performance 30
• Average Performance 20
• Performance with Errors 10
• Attempted / Limited 2

Every participant receives personalised feedback to help improve for future rounds.

Special Offer: Each Style & Performance entry earns 10% off a training session with a Taw River coach!

Awards & Championships

Summer & Winter Solstice Series

Each series is a mini-championship:

• Top 3 Junior & Senior Riders in Show Jumping
• Top Style & Performance Riders
• Prizes and rosettes presented at special ceremonies:
  • Summer Awards Ceremony: June (after the May event)
  • Winter Awards Ceremony: December (before the 70cm class)

Grand Solstice Challenge — Overall Championship

At the December 6th show, we’ll celebrate our year-long champions!

• 🏆 Overall Junior Champion (Show Jumping) – Top 3 Juniors
• 🏆 Overall Senior Champion (Show Jumping) – Top 3 Seniors
• 👑 Supreme Grand Solstice Champion (Show Jumping) – Overall highest points (Junior or Senior)
• 💫 Overall Style & Performance Champion – Highest Style & Performance score across all ten events

Each supreme champion will receive a trophy, sash, extra-large rosette, and prize package.

Ready to Jump?

The inaugural season of the Taw River Equestrian Grand Solstice Challenge is your chance to show the world what you and your horse can do. We can't wait to see you there!

Contact & Venue Info

Venue: Downe Farm Event Centre, EX16 8QF
Organiser: Taw River Equestrian
Email: teamtawriver@aol.com
Website: www.white-owl.co.uk or Facebook: taw river equine events

Follow us online for updates, photos, and leaderboards after every event!

Entry Fees & Booking

Entries are primarily taken as pre-entries via Horse Monkey.

• First aid cover is included in all entry fees.
• A limited number of entries may be accepted on the day, depending on time and availability, this is during the winter months when daylight is against us!
• All class running orders will be published on our Facebook page on Friday evening before each event.

Entry Type

Classes

Fee per Class

Booking Method & Deadline

Standard Pre-Entry Online via Horse Monkey — up to Thursday 11:00 PM

Poles on the Ground / Raised on End £10.00

X Poles – 1.00 m £12.00

Late Online Entry Online via Horse Monkey — after Thursday 11:00 PM until Friday 5:00 PM

Poles on the Ground / Raised on End £13.00

X Poles – 1.00 m £15.00

On-the-Day Entry - 

All Classes (if space/ time allows) £20.00 Pay at Showground

HC Re-Entry Same Class only For experience/training going back into the ring after elimination  £10.00

Pay at Showground (entered on the day)

Tip: Pre-enter online to guarantee your space and save money!

All horse monkey links can be found on our Facebook page 

Competitor Reminders and Ring Etiquette

• Class Times:
  Class times are approximate. We do our best to run smoothly and on schedule, but some variation is inevitable. Please be ready when called and keep to your drawn order where possible to help classes run efficiently.
• Entering the Arena:
  From Class 4 onwards, competitors are asked to enter the arena while the current rider has the final three fences to jump. Please keep to one side until it is your turn. This procedure helps maintain a steady flow and ensures the smooth running of the classes. Or be ready to go in the ring as soon as the rider has jumped the last fence.

Warm-Up Arena

To ensure safety and fairness for all competitors, the following rules apply:

• Direction of Jumps: All practice fences must be jumped with the red flag or wing to the right.
• Type of Jumps: Warm-up fences must reflect those permitted in the competition ring.
  • If no oxers are included in the class, only cross poles and uprights may be used in the warm-up.
• Height Limit: The height of any practice fence must not exceed 10 cm above the maximum height for the class being contested.
• Rider Conduct: Riders must be considerate of others, maintain safe distances, and follow all steward and official instructions at all times.
• Safety and Discipline: Unsafe riding, discourtesy, or failure to comply with steward directions may result in removal from the warm-up arena or disqualification from the event.
• Lunging: Lunging is not permitted in the warm-up arena at any time unless in a designated area and with permission from a steward.

Additional Recommendations

• Courtesy:
  • Call your jump clearly (e.g. “upright”) before approaching.
  • Avoid standing/walking in front of or behind fences when not actively jumping.
• Supervision:
  All riders under 16 must be supervised by a responsible adult while in the warm-up area.

Event Conduct & General Guidance

• Hats and Safety Gear:
  All riders must wear a current standard riding hat (PAS 015, VG1, ASTM F1163, or equivalent) with the chin strap securely fastened. Suitable footwear and body protectors are strongly recommended (compulsory if stated by class rules).
• Respect for Officials:
  The decisions of judges and stewards are final. Please treat all officials, volunteers, and fellow competitors with courtesy and respect.
• Dogs:
  Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times and under control. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their animals.
• Litter & Tidiness:
  Please use bins provided and leave all areas tidy. Competitors are responsible for removing any droppings or hay from around their horseboxes/trailers before departure.
• Cleanliness:
  Please pick up your horse’s droppings before leaving the venue. This is a regular task organisers face at the end of a long show day. Scoop sets are available around the lorry parking area — your help in keeping the grounds clean is greatly appreciated.

Grand Solstice Challenge: Governing Rules (for 2026)

Please Note: These rules contain mandatory changes and apply to all 2026 Grand Solstice Challenge shows. Compliance with safety rules, no exceptions are permitted.

 General Rules

• Governing Standard: All classes will primarily be run under BS Club Rules, except where specifically amended in this document (e.g., Stops/Falls).
• Safety Wear: Hard hats and riding boots are mandatory for all riders while mounted.
• Equipment: Whips must conform to BS Club Rules.
• Judge's Decision: The Judge's decision is paramount and final in all circumstances.

Elimination Rules (Applies to All Classes)

Stops (Amended Rule) 

While standard club rules mandate elimination after three stops, we will allow you up to four stops on course to help maintain confidence.

• After the fourth stop, the Judge will ring the bell. You must then leave the arena immediately.

Rules for Falls and Remounting

1. Fall of the Horse (Immediate Elimination)

• Consequence: If the horse falls anywhere on the course, this is an immediate elimination from the class.
• Mandatory Action: The combination MUST leave the arena immediately on foot (dismounted) with no exceptions.

2. Fall of the Rider (Conditional Remounting)

If only the rider falls:

• Remounting: The rider may remount and continue the round. (See Risk Acknowledgment (Mandatory) below) 
• Final Elimination Signal: If the Judge rings the bell twice, the rider MUST NOT REMOUNT and must leave the arena immediately on foot.

Risk Acknowledgment (Mandatory)

If a rider chooses to remount and continue their round, they do so entirely at their own risk.

We take absolutely no responsibility for any damage or injury to horse or rider that occurs during or after your fall.

Official Acceptance of Rules and Entry Fees

By submitting an entry for any class within the Taw River Equestrian (Grand Solstice Challenge), competitors and their representatives confirm that they have read, understood, and agree to abide by all Official Rules and Regulations, including the Show’s Terms and Conditions and any Specific Class Rules. For full details regarding rules, regulations, and refund policies, please scroll down.

Complaints and Protests

Any complaints or protests must be submitted within 30 minutes of the incident.

Complaints must be made in writing or by email, clearly stating the nature of the issue and the individuals involved.

Each complaint must be accompanied by a deposit of £50, which will be refunded only if the complaint is upheld.

The organisers’ decision is final.