Edinburgh Riding of the Marches 2024

Please read below code of conduct BEFORE purchasing

We have a no-refunds policy, and rider places cannot be transferred to other riders.

Taking its roots from the historical Common Ridings of Scotland, 280 horses will traverse the ancient Royal Mile on Sunday 15th September 2024. This spectacular cavalcade is a re-enactment of the return of the Captain of the Trained Band (responsible for keeping order within the City) to Edinburgh with the tragic news of defeat at the battle of Flodden, 1513.

We hope that you will be able to join us for what will be a truly memorable day as we celebrate the history of our great city.

The event spans over the course of an entire day with riders in the saddle for approximately 7 hours in total (with breaks during the morning and lunch time), with a morning chase around the outskirts of the City Boundaries, taking in stunning views with exhilarating gallops.

This section of the event is fast-moving at times and all participants must be confident in canter and gallop. Those intending to ride their own horse in an event like this for the first time, should be aware that your horse will behave differently in a group of over 200 riders. Riders are in the saddle from 9am until 12.30pm after which there is a 1-hour lunch break.

The afternoon section involves limited canters (4 at most) and culminates in the Civic Procession up the Royal Mile. Riders will be in the saddle from 1.30pm until 5.00pm with the official declaration at the Mercat Cross taking place at 4pm approx. Following the canters during the afternoon, the ride remains at a walk and trot for the rest of the event. The ride commences up the Royal Mile from 3.40pm where they will be led by a Pipe Band and will be flanked by several thousand spectators. Upon arrival at the Mercat Cross, riders will be required to come to a halt within the barriered event arena during the ceremony.

CODE OF CONDUCT

1. WE ARE AWARE THAT THERE WILL BE A NUMBER OF RIDERS TAKING PART IN THE RIDE WHO HAVE NOT TAKEN PART IN A SIMILAR EVENT BEFORE. IT SHOULD BE NOTED THAT THE OFF-ROAD SECTION OF THIS RIDE WILL BE FAST MOVING AT TIMES AND ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST BE CONFIDENT IN CANTER AND GALLOP. THOSE INTENDING TO RIDE THEIR OWN HORSE IN AN EVENT LIKE THIS FOR THE FIRST TIME SHOULD BE AWARE THAT YOUR HORSE WILL BEHAVE DIFFERENTLY IN A GROUP OF OVER 200 RIDERS THAN ON A HACK OUT IN THE COMPANY OF A SMALL NUMBER OF COMPANIONS.

2. MARSHALS WILL BE IN CHARGE: There will be a significant number of riding marshals present on the ride. They will be identified by their armbands and due respect must be given to their requirements at all times. Foot Marshals will be positioned as required at gates and crossings and likewise their requirements should be respected. Any rider failing to adhere to the instructions of a marshal WILL be asked to leave the ride.

3.THE ROUTE: The Rideout route has been pre-arranged in conjunction with Landowners, The Police and the City of Edinburgh Council. All riders are required to adhere to the agreed route. If for any reason a rider has to leave the ride early a marshal must be notified immediately.

4. DRESS CODE: Only smart, appropriate riding wear will be accepted. It should be noted that PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR, WHICH MEETS CURRENT SAFETY STANDARDS MUST BE WORN BY ALL RIDERS.

5. SELF DISCIPLINE: Riders must display good manners and courtesy at all times to marshals, fellow riders, members of the public and The Police. Failing to do so will result in the rider being asked to leave the ride. Any rider using foul or abusive language may be asked to leave the ride. It should be noted that a section of the ride will involve travelling through Edinburgh city centre. Drunkenness will not be tolerated. Any rider found to be intoxicated will be asked to leave the ride. Riders should be in control of their horse at all times, and it should be noted that in relation to this, the use of mobile phones is not permitted whilst on horseback (except in the event of an emergency). The marshal’s decision is final. The marshal’s decision is final.

6. LITTER: All litter including food should be taken home or deposited in bins that may be provided.

7.TIMING: All riders should be aware that it is essential to maintain a high standard of time keeping. This assists Police Scotland who control and manage the time we spend on Edinburgh’s busy public roads. Police Scotland Road Policing Branch and riding Marshals will control this.

8. EMERGENCY PROCEDURE: In the event of any problem arising, be it damage to gates or fences, breakage of essential tack or injury to any horse or rider, immediate contact should be made with a marshal in order that appropriate action can be taken.

9. YOUNG RIDERS: It should be noted that young inexperienced riders should, at all times be accompanied by a responsible, capable adult who should make themselves known to one of the marshals. It should be noted that young inexperienced riders should, at all times be accompanied by a responsible, capable adult who should make themselves known to one of the marshals. No riders shall be permitted to participate in any part of the ride if they require assistance by lead rein.

10. TRANSPORT OF HORSES: Owing to logistics and the geographic size of the City, the starting and finishing points of the ride are approximately 4 miles apart. Riders who have their own horses must ensure their horse transport is waiting for them in Kings Stables Road at the conclusion of the ride. Horse hirers will be waiting there to uplift hired horses. For safety reasons Police have intimated that they do not want individuals “hacking” back to the start point to return to waiting horse boxes. Please make prior arrangements to have boxes waiting in Kings Stables Road.

11. INJURED HORSES: It is the sole responsibility of the owner of any horse, which may be injured or fatally injured during the ride to cover any costs incurred for veterinary treatment or the removal of fatally injured horses.

12. INSURANCE: Please refer to the disclaimer below.

DISCLAIMER

Important notice to all those taking part in Edinburgh’s Riding Of The Marches

Whilst every care has been taken by the Edinburgh March Riders Association Ltd (EMRA) and relevant landowners in facilitating this event, EMRA and landowners will not be responsible for any injury to any person taking part nor liable for any damage resulting from any acts or omissions of any participants or spectators.

It is the responsibility of those taking part, or their legal guardians in the case of minors, to ensure that participants have appropriate and adequate insurance cover for personal injury and third-party liability cover and that they take all reasonable steps to ensure their own safe participation in the event. In particular in relation to equestrian events, they are advised to ensure both they and their mount are both suitable and competent and that riders wear appropriate protective clothing including headgear.

Please note that the Edinburgh March Riding Association Ltd reserve the right to refuse any person from participating in the event.