Grading Scheme
Only full members of SERC can enter the Grading Scheme. You do not have to enter the Grading Scheme but if you choose to, there are five levels that can be achieved. You must complete the Grades in sequence and horses and riders may grade separately, although a horse and rider combination will only be able to compete to the lower of their combined grades.
All Competitive and Endurance / Gated rides may be used as grading rides; if you are using a ride for grading purposes, there is an additional charge on the ride entry fee (£4 2006/07) and you must indicate on the ride entry form that you intend to use the ride for grading purposes. Gradings will not be given retrospectively.
To gain a grading, a minimum of a Bronze award in a Competitive ride or a completion in an Endurance / gated ride must be achieved. Rides that are longer than those required by the standard being attempted may not be used for grading purposes.
- Bronze Thistle Qualifiers: two 30 kilometre rides at two different venues or three 30 kilometre rides at the same venue. All to be completed at a minimum 9.5kph.
- Bronze Thistle Final: one 50 kilometre ride to be ridden at a minimum speed of 11kph.
- Silver Thistle Qualifier: two 60 kilometre rides at two different venues or three 60 kilometre rides at the same venue. All to be completed at a minimum 11kph.
- Silver Thistle Final: one 80 kilometre ride to be ridden at a minimum speed of 11kph.
- Gold Thistle: one 80 kilometre ride at a minimum speed of 13kph or two 80 kilometre rides at a minimum speed of 11kph.