Challenge Overview
The No Stirrup November Challenge is designed to help riders develop an independent seat, improve balance, and strengthen their connection with their horse. Complete 10 rides without stirrups (or just one stirrup at a time) throughout November to earn your completion rosette.
Challenge Period: 1st November through 30th November
Number of Rides Required: 10 rides
Entry Fee: £20
Completion Award: Blue rosette with "I survived No Stirrup November!" tails
Eligibility
Who Can Participate?
- All ages welcome – From young riders to experienced equestrians
- All abilities – Beginners to advanced riders
- All disciplines – Dressage, jumping, western, pleasure riding, driving with reins, etc.
- Any horse – Your own horse, loan horse, riding school horse, or multiple different horses
Location
Open to riders throughout the United Kingdom. Rides can be completed at home, at a riding school, at livery, or anywhere you have safe access to ride.
What Counts as a Ride?
Maximum Flexibility
We've designed this challenge to be as achievable and flexible as possible:
- No minimum time requirement – Whether you ride for 5 minutes or 50 minutes, it counts
- Multiple rides per day count – A morning ride and an evening ride can both count toward your 10 rides
- 10 different days OR multiple rides in fewer days – However works for your schedule
- Different horses allowed – Complete your rides on your own horse, multiple horses, or different horses entirely
- Any riding activity – Lessons, hacks, schooling sessions, arena work, or riding bareback
Stirrup Options
You choose your approach:
- Drop both stirrups – For maximum challenge and core engagement
- Drop one stirrup at a time – A safer, more gradual approach that still develops independent seat
- Mix and match – Some rides with both stirrups dropped, others with just one
All methods count equally toward your 10 rides!
What Doesn't Count?
- Rides completed before 1st November or after 30th November
Safety Requirements
⚠️ Your Safety is Our Priority
Please read and follow these important safety guidelines:
Essential Safety Rules
- Start gradually – Begin with short periods at walk, especially if new to riding without stirrups
- Wear appropriate safety equipment – Always wear a properly fitted riding hat/helmet that meets current safety standards
- Choose appropriate horses – Use a well-trained, steady mount, particularly when starting. If your horse is green, young, or unpredictable, take extra precautions
- Seek professional guidance – Work with a qualified instructor or experienced rider, especially if you're new to no-stirrup work
- Listen to your body – Take breaks when needed. Never push through pain or significant discomfort
- Consider your horse's welfare – If you're struggling with balance, it may cause discomfort to your horse. Give breaks as needed
- Ride in a safe environment – Use an enclosed arena or safe riding area when starting, especially for faster paces
Warning Signs to Stop
If you experience any of these, take a break and return to riding with stirrups:
- Legs drawing up your horse's sides and contracting
- Shallow or restricted breathing
- Strong urge to lean forward excessively
- Significant loss of balance or control
- Pain (beyond normal muscle fatigue)
- Your horse showing signs of discomfort or distress
Remember: The goal is to develop an independent seat gradually. Forcing yourself to ride longer when tense is counterproductive and hard on both you and your horse. Quality matters more than duration.
How to Log Your Rides
Activity Log Requirements
For each ride, record the following in your log:
- Ride Number – Number 1 through 10
- Date – When the ride took place
- Activity Description – Brief description of what you did (optional: include amount of no-stirrup time)
Example Log Entries
- 1. 5/11/2025 – Group lesson on Bella – 5min cool down no stirrups
- 2. 7/11/2025 – Private lesson on Max – 10min no stirrups walk/halt transitions
- 3. 10/11/2025 – Flatwork session on Bella – 15min no stirrups including trot work and circles
- 4. 12/11/2025 – Lunge lesson on Charlie – 20min no stirrups at walk and trot with various exercises
- 5. 15/11/2025 – Hack on Max – 10min no stirrups through wooded section at walk
- 6. 18/11/2025 – Jump lesson on Bella – 5min no stirrups warm-up over ground poles
Log Formats Accepted
Your log can be handwritten, digital, or any format that clearly shows ride numbers, dates, and activities:
- Physical logbook – Handwritten in notebook (photo or scan for submission)
- Digital document – Word doc, Google doc, or similar
- Spreadsheet – Excel, Google Sheets
- The Official No Stirrup November Activity Logbook – Download and print your own copy!
📥 Click to download the official logbook (PDF)
Note: Including the amount of no-stirrup time is optional but can help you track your progression throughout the month!
Optional Exercise Checklist & Getting Started Guide
You'll also receive an optional exercise checklist with progressive activities such as:
- Walk exercises (serpentines, circles, transitions)
- Trot work (straight lines, circles, posting)
- Balance challenges (dropping and picking up stirrups without looking)
- Canter progressions (straight lines, circles, patterns)
This checklist is completely optional – use it for inspiration or create your own riding plan!
📥 Click to download the optional exercise checklist (PDF), riding without stirrups benefits, and getting started guide.
Submission & Rosette
When to Submit
- Submit your log once you've completed all 10 no-stirrup rides
- You have until 10 December 2025 to submit your logbook
- Late logbook submissions past 10 December 2025 will not be accepted
How to Submit
- Use the online submission form (preferred method)
- Or email the completed activity log directly to [email protected] and include your full name and registration email. Don't forget to attach clear photos/scans/pdf of your complete log.
What Happens Next
- You'll receive confirmation that we received the log
- We'll review your log within 48 hours and notify you that the log has been accepted and reviewed
- Your rosette will be posted within 5 working days
- Rosette delivery typically takes 3-5 working days via Royal Mail
Your Completion Rosette
All participants who complete 10 rides and submit their logs will receive a beautiful blue rosette with tails reading "I survived No Stirrup November!" posted directly to your address.
Click image for a closer view
Rosette Details:
- Traditional blue rosette
- Tails inscribed with "I survived No Stirrup November!"
- Posted within 5 working days of log verification
- Sent to the address provided during registration
- Delivery via Royal Mail (typically 3-5 working days)
Challenge Guidelines
Liability & Risk
Important:
- The Equestrian 25 Challenge is not liable for accidents during activities
- All activities are undertaken at your own risk
Horse riding and equestrian activities carry inherent risks. By participating in this challenge, you acknowledge these risks and take full responsibility for your safety and wellbeing.
Honesty & Integrity
This challenge operates on the honour system. We trust all participants to:
- Accurately record their rides
- Complete rides as described in the rules
- Prioritise safety for themselves and their horses
- Participate in the spirit of personal development and horsemanship
Modifications for Special Circumstances
We understand that everyone's situation is unique. If you have specific circumstances that require modifications (injury recovery, physical limitations, etc.), please contact us to discuss reasonable accommodations.
Questions?
If you have questions about what activities count or need clarification on any rules, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Contact Form: Submit a message via our contact form
- Response time: Within 24 hours
We're here to support you throughout your challenge journey!
Ready to Take on the Challenge?
Join riders across the UK in developing an independent seat this November
Register for £20 Back to Challenge Home