Challenge Rules & Guidelines
Everything you need to know to successfully complete your Equestrian 25 Challenge
Contents
Basic Rules
The Challenge: 25 Activities from 20 September to 20 November
Complete any combination of equestrian activities that total 25 separate activities between 20 September and 20 November 2025.
Late registrations welcome - you can join the challenge at any point and still have time to complete 25 activities by 20 November
Timeline
- You have from 20 September and 20 November 2025 to complete all 25 activities
- Activities must be completed during the challenge period (20 September - 20 November)
- There's no minimum time requirement per activity - a 10-minute session counts the same as a 2-hour session
- You can complete multiple activities in one day, but each must be logged separately
Flexibility
- Complete activities at your own pace - some weeks you might do more, others less
- No specific activities are required - choose what suits your situation and goals
- All equestrian disciplines and experience levels are welcome
What Counts as an Activity
We take a broad, inclusive approach to equestrian activities. If it involves horses and contributes to your equestrian development, it likely counts!
🐎 Riding Activities
- Lessons (group or private)
- School sessions
- Hacking/trail riding
- Competition training
- Dressage work
- Jumping practice
🚗 Driving Activities
- Harness driving
- Combined driving training
- Cart or carriage work
- Ground driving
- Harness fitting practice
🤝 Ground Work
- Leading exercises
- Lunging
- Liberty work
- Groundwork training
- Handling practice
- Loading practice
🏆 Competitions & Events
- Shows and competitions
- Clinics and demonstrations
- Judging or stewarding
- Helping at competitions
- Spectating educational events
- Volunteering at equine events
**Exceptions** – Limited Use Activities
The following activities may only be counted under specific circumstances:
📚 Learning & Theory Activities:
- Equine study sessions
- Watching educational videos
- Reading equestrian books
- Online learning modules
🏥 Care & Maintenance Activities:
- Grooming sessions
- Basic health checks
- Hoof care
- Clipping and bathing
- Turnout/bringing in routines
- Feeding routines
- Tack cleaning and maintenance
These activities may ONLY be counted if:
Horse on Stall Rest
Your horse is injured and under veterinary care
Lesson Rider
You only have access through riding schools
Rescue Volunteer
You volunteer at an equine rescue facility
- Your horse is injured and on veterinary stall rest
- You are completing the challenge as a lesson rider with limited horse access
- You are volunteering at an equine rescue or rehabilitation facility
**Maximum:** 8 activities from this category (approximately 1/3 of your total challenge)
Activities That Don't Count
- Purely administrative tasks (booking lessons, ordering feed)
- Activities completed before registration date
- Activities not related to horses or equestrian sport
Logging Your Activities
Activity Log Requirements
For each activity, record the following in your log:
- Date - When the activity took place
- Activity Description - Brief description of what you did
- Duration (optional) - Rough time spent (helps us understand your commitment)
- Notes (optional) - Any additional details, goals achieved, or reflections
Example Log Entries:
- 20/09/2025 - Group dressage lesson with Bella, 1 hour - Worked on leg yielding
- 21/09/2025 - Grooming and turnout, 30 mins - Practiced picking up feet
- 25/09/2025 - Lunging Max in school, 45 mins - Focus on transitions
- 26/09/2025 - Studied horse nutrition online, 1 hour - BHS course module
Official Activity Log:
Your log can be handwritten, digital, or any format that clearly shows dates and activities
Log Formats Accepted
- Physical logbook - Handwritten in notebook (photo or scan for submission)
- Digital document - Word doc, Google doc, or similar
- Spreadsheet - Excel, Google Sheets
- The Official Equestrian 25 Challenge Logbook - Click here to get a copy to print!
Special Circumstances
🏥 Horses in Rehabilitation
If your horse is on veterinary rest or rehabilitation:
- Ground work, in-hand walks (if vet approved), and direct horse interaction count fully
- You may count up to 8 activities from learning & theory or care & maintenance
- Focus on rehabilitation exercises and veterinary-approved activities
- Consider clinical learning about your horse's condition
🏫 Lesson Riders
If you only ride through lessons or don't own a horse:
- Each lesson counts as one activity (regardless of length)
- Ground work with school horses counts fully
- Helping with yard work and horse care at your riding school counts
- You may count up to 8 activities from learning & theory or care & maintenance
- Attending equestrian events as learning experiences count
🐴 Equine Rescue Volunteers
If you volunteer at an equine rescue or rehabilitation facility:
- Direct horse interaction and rehabilitation work counts fully
- Care & maintenance activities at the rescue facility count toward your exception allowance
- Educational activities related to rescue and rehabilitation count
- Maximum of 8 activities from the exception categories
🌧️ Weather & Seasonal Challenges
British weather is unpredictable, but the autumn timeframe allows flexibility:
- Indoor activities count equally to outdoor ones
- Ground-based horse interaction is always preferred over theory
- Use exception activities sparingly - only when necessary
- Remember: 9 weeks allows for several weather-affected days
🤕 Rider Injury or Illness
If you're unable to ride due to injury:
- Ground-based activities with horses count fully
- You may use exception activities up to the 8-activity limit
- Contact us if you need guidance on qualifying activities
- Consider requesting a future challenge registration if severely limited
Safety Guidelines
⚠️ Safety First
The challenge should never compromise safety. All activities should be:
- Within your current ability level
- Supervised appropriately (especially for novice riders)
- Conducted with proper safety equipment
- Cancelled if conditions are unsafe
Insurance & Liability
- Ensure you have appropriate insurance coverage
- Follow all venue and instructor safety rules
- The Equestrian 25 Challenge is not liable for accidents during activities
- All activities are undertaken at your own risk
Submission Requirements
When to Submit
- Submit your log once you've completed all 25 activities
- You have until 1 December 2025 to email us your logbook
- Late logbook submissions past 1 December 2025 will not be accepted
How to Submit
- Use the online submission form (preferred method)
- Email directly to [email protected]
- Include your full name and registration email
- Attach clear photos/scans of your complete log
What Happens Next
- You'll receive confirmation within 24 hours
- We'll review your log within 48 hours
- Your rosette will be posted within 5 working days
- Delivery typically takes 3-5 working days via Royal Mail
🏆 Your Achievement
Upon successful completion, you'll receive a red rosette recognising your dedication to consistent equestrian activity. Display it proudly alongside your other equestrian achievements!
Questions?
If you have questions about what activities count or need clarification on any rules, please contact us:
- Email: [email protected]
- Response time: Within 24 hours
We're here to support you throughout your challenge journey!