This is the information page for an equestrian entry. For cyclist information - click here
Ride on the Sheriff’s Ride
Saturday September 5th 2026
The annual perambulation of the boundary of the old City and County of Lichfield, each September, in accordance with the 1553 Charter from Queen Mary
The ride timings below are provisional as the route is subject to change depending on the available access to farmland and weather conditions. The final route and timings will be confirmed later but we do have a provisional route map here which we will update.
The route is subject to road closure orders with the assistance of traffic management company. We will have lead and support vehicles including Vet & Ambulance as well as a Farrier on call. Some farmland may, however, be inaccessible to these vehicles but they will keep up with us by road.
There will also be a cycle ride running concurrently with this equestrian event and we will be organising points (e.g. at the refreshment stops) where the two rides can coincide. Horses and cyclists will not, however, be mixing along the route. The final arrival into the city will be in combination with the cyclists with at least one support vehicle between horses and cyclists for safety.
This year the Sheriff’s Ride will begin at Stowe Fields. Please arrive at 9am. https://what3words.com/couches.mutual.over where there is parking for horseboxes. Please be ready at 9:45am. After a small group of horses will go into the City Centre to be ready for the 10:00 am official start of the ride - we will be leaving via the Cathedral Close to begin the annual perambulation of the City & County of Lichfield.
The morning does involve a fair amount of roadwork and in order to minimise our time on the main roads we will generally be trotting. Once we access farmland and country lanes we will have more variability in pace and will have controlled canters across some of the farmland.
At approximately 11:15 we will have a short stop. Last year this was at Bod Lichfield, Streethay (toilets) https://what3words.com/exists.plots.often (to be confirmed for 2025) and then we will move on to Freeford Manor arriving around 12:00.
We intend to have a 45 minute stop at Freeford Manor for refreshment. Toilets will be available. Horseboxes or other support vehicles can access via https://what3words.com/wires.chin.gladiators
We will be leaving Freeford at approximately 12:45pm and riding across farmland, trackways and some roads to Pipe Hall for another refreshment stop (toilets) after which we will move on to Maple Hayes Hall for the last canter.
The ride will then combine with the cyclists to form a procession into the City Centre with a ceremonial arrival via the Cathedral Close around 4:30pm in order to maximise our visibility to the public and then to finally return to Stowe Field at about 5pm
The entry fee will be £50 for the ride (approximately 18 miles & including the ceremonial arrival into the city centre)
If you are interested in taking part and supporting this historic event - please follow the link below
Ride Rules and Terms & Conditions
The Terms & Conditions may be altered as we organise the ride. You will be informed of any changes.
All riders must abide by these Terms & Conditions.
Riders participate at their own risk and each rider is responsible for themselves and their horse.
All riders must be aged 12 years and above and competent. Riders are required to have public liability insurance for any claims that may be made against them and/or their accompanying child. Riders under the age of 16 must be able to ride independently as lead reins are not permitted. They must be accompanied by a riding adult over the age of 18 and the riding adult may only be responsible for one rider under the age of 16.
Your horse must be up to date with annual vaccinations. Should there be any sign of injury, the Lead Marshal must be informed. He will consult with the attending vet to check what action needs to be taken and their decision will be final.
It is a legal requirement to always carry your horses passport when being transported.
If your horse is shod, please ensure that this has been done quite recently.
The Sheriffs Ride is over 470 years old and is a ceremonial event. Yours and your horses appearance is important and it is necessary to be smartly dressed in either hunting or show dress. Plaiting is desirable but not a necessity. All riding hats must conform to British Standards. Body protectors may be worn if required. In inclement weather, appropriate clothing may be added.
Horses must be ridden in a recognised form of bridle and bit. Draw reins and other kinds of special reins are not allowed. Dressage and schooling whips are not permitted.
Stallions are not permitted on the ride.
Red tail ribbons are required for horses that kick.
Green tail ribbons for novice horses and riders and if this is your first time participating.
Horses are expected to stay in their riding block. For safety of all concerned, when passing within the block, make a request to do so and always be polite and consider other riders. Please maintain a safe distance from the horse in front. You will be riding as part of a large group in close proximity which will place additional demands on your riding skills . It is the responsibility of each rider to ensure that their horse is safe in the company of other horses and on the public highway. Riders are requested to keep in pairs when the ride is on the public highway.
Any rider or horse considered by the marshals to be a danger to others will be instructed to leave the ride.
The Lead Marshal is the pacemaker on the ride and should not be overtaken unless authorised to do so. The route taken by the Lead Marshal is the only route you should take.
Marshals are appointed to assist in the smooth running of the ride and can be identified by orange bibs.
Your ride number will be given to you in your rider pack as you arrive at Stowefields. This must be visible at all times and does not reflect your position in the ride.
It is important that riders arrive in plenty of time to be ready for the start of the ride. All riders must arrive before 9am and we ask for you to be mounted no later than 9.30, ready for the Lead Marshal to call the start. Those not mounted and ready to go, may not be able to join the ride and will forfeit any fees paid. Late arrival may also result in being refused access.
Any horse droppings need to be cleaned up at Stowefields.
If a rider requires emergency assistance, please speak with a marshal. All other riders should carry on unless halted by the Lead Marshal.
For the horse element of the event, first aiders will be in attendance. In the event of a fall or injury, riders are required to be assessed by the medic. You may continue with the ride if the medic considers you to be fit to do so. Anyone who refuses medical assistance and continues to ride does so at their own risk. Anyone who suffers a fall or injury must report to a marshal at the end of the ride to fill out an accident form.
You should plan for an emergency contact, who can attend to collect you and your horse in the event of difficulties, to be available throughout the duration of the event.
If a rider must leave the ride, it may be quicker to return by road. If returning through fields, always remember to close the gates. Any riders leaving the ride early, will not be covered by the ride insurance and will not be allowed to re-join the ride.
Only official vehicles may accompany the ride.
No horses are to be left unattended at any time.
Entrance to prize draws is only applicable to those 16 years and over.
It may be necessary on the day of the ride for the Lead Marshal and/or the Clerk of the Course to make amendments to the route or timing of the ride. This will be communicated via our marshals where possible.
GDPR - We will keep data for two years. Details of emergency contact will be retained from registration until after the ride and will be provided to any attending emergency service as well as an attending ride marshal who will liaise with the on your behalf.
This event will take place regardless of the weather but in the interest of safety, during adverse conditions, the organisers may change the published route.