Exford Meeting Seeks To Identify Support For Horseshoe Return

A meeting is to be held in Exford Village Hall on September 10 to identify support for plans to return the prestigious Golden Horseshoe Ride to the village.

Exford had hosted the ride for more than 25 years, but this year it was moved to Dunster after concerns about Health and Safety, steep gradients for competitors as they started and alleged local hostility.

A six-strong committee, chaired by Mrs Beth Horstmann from Court Farm, has been working to answer criticisms and has found an alternative site to the traditional Auction Field, together with promised sponsorship.

"The ride was important to the village economy, bringing in about £100,000 a year," says Mrs Horstman. "I think we have found alternatives which answer all the original concerns, but Endurance GB, which organises the Ride, feels it needs assurance that the village is behind the occasion before making a final decision."

Should the decision go to a vote at the September meeting, Mrs Horstmann is hoping for a strong attendance. She is also prepared to hold proxy votes - both for and against - for anyone who is unable to attend. These should be sent to her at Court Farm, Exford, TA24 7LY

The meeting will begin at 7.30pm.

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