Charity cycle ride to arrive at Belsay Hall and Castle

The Cycle 4 Caroline ride is being undertaken by some of Britain's top eventing riders, with the aim of raising £500,000 for Spinal Research and the British Eventing Support Trust.

The challenge is in memory of Caroline March, who passed away in March 2024 after sustaining life-changing injuries from a fall while competing.

Olympians, world and European championship athletes are participating in the challenge.

A welcoming party comprised of sponsors, volunteers, competitors and supporters from the Belsay International Horse Trials will be at the Hall, along with children from Belsay School and Mowden Hall School, to greet the riders.

The event will take place on November 22, from 2pm to 4pm at Belsay Hall and Castle.

Visitors are encouraged to donate £10 directly to the charities.

The Cycle 4 Caroline ride is the brainchild of Piggy March and her husband Tom, in memory of Tom's sister Caroline March.

Joining them on the ride are several other cyclists, including BE Support Trust chair of the board of trustees and three-time Olympian Ian Stark OBE, support trust patron Alastair Wilson, and multi-medalist Holly Woodhead.

A reception will be held at Belsay Hall on November 22 to welcome the riders and celebrate their achievement.

The route the cyclists will follow (Image: Supplied) Riders and visitors will be able to refuel with provisions from Northumberland Coffee and North Acomb Farm Shop, who are regular traders at the horse trials.

The challenge will take in other key UK eventing venues including Belsay, Bramham, Burghley, Chatsworth, Blenheim, and Badminton Horse Trials.

It will conclude on November 30 at The Savoy Hotel, London, with a charity ball organised by the BE Support Trust.

The Belsay International Horse Trials is proud to be included among the venues hosting the charity ride.

Organiser Laura de Wesselow said: "We felt it was really important to step in and keep Chatsworth’s replacement in the north of England.

"The Chatsworth fixture carries with it much prestige and we are very proud to have been awarded this for 2025.

"We look forward to the challenge of delivering two brilliant events next year."

The Belsay International will host two events in 2025.

Belsay (1) from May 16 to May 18 will be the Chatsworth Replacement Fixture with CCI4*-S, CCI2*-S international classes and Advanced and Novice National Classes.

The cross-country courses for this event will take a completely different route to that of Belsay (2) from May 28 to June 1, which features the British Junior and Pony Championships, CCI2*-L, CCI3*-S, CCI2*-S and CCI1* international classes and BE90 to Open Intermediate national classes.