Near-perfect conditions underfoot gave some very fast times at the Boconnoc Endurance Ride on Sunday.

A record number of 144 riders took part in classes ranging from the 80 km (50 mile) ER to a gentle 16 km (10 mile) non- competitive ride and both horses and riders enjoyed every mile of the three routes around the beautiful Boconnoc Estate and the Deerpark Forestry above Herodsfoot.

"The rain on Thursday had softened many of the tracks through the woods and made for very fast going," said Sarah Bishop, joint Ride Organiser with her husband, Tristan. "Even the novice riders were making very good times."

The winner of the ER for the second year running was Christine Yeoman from Downhead in Somerset, riding her grey Arab LM Midday. They competed the 80 km at a very fast 18.90 kph. British team selectors have just announced that they will be part of the team travelling to the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky in September.

Hot on Christine's heels was 14-year-old Shannon Smith from Altarnun on her tough little pony, Bomber. They averaged 18.68 kph. Possibly being exercised on Bodmin Moor has something to do with Bomber's exceptional fitness. This is the second time this year that the pair have been pipped at the post. They came second at the Minions ER to Jennifer Rennie and RA Djoser. This time, however, Bomber was faster at the vet gates and held on to his lead to finish ahead of Jennifer and RA Djoser, who were third at 17.71 kph.

In fourth place was Jill Semmens on Evermore Exciting, fifth was Nicky Sherry on Shimmering Blue Jasmine, and sixth was Rachael Claridge on Maarhabi. The Best Condition prize, as judged by the veterinary team, went to Jill and Evermore Exciting.

Another great result was achieved by Alison House from Glastonbury, who rode her nine-year-old grey Arab mare Aberllwyd Briar Rose in the 80 km CR and achieved a Grade One. Alison and Briar Rose competed in this year's Golden Horseshoe and won a Silver Medal in the two-day 160 km class.

Two Riding Club teams took part and both qualified for the Riding Clubs Endurance Championships in September. First was a combined team from Exeter and Stoke Climsland (Ann Pollard; Pat Selby; Susan Moore and Chelsey Evans) and second was South Brent (Penny Hind; Mary Brown; Suzanne Dix and Jean Frape. Julie Brand rode as an individual for the squad).

This ride on the South West endurance calendar is always popular not just because it's a beautiful ride but because it's the only chance that local riders have to enjoy the woods and fields of the private Boconnoc Estate. On Sunday, there were over 50 pleasure riders out enjoying themselves, as well as those in the competitive classes.

The sponsors this year were Houghtons Saddlery, Launceston, Horse First, Saracens Horse Feeds and Cornish Natural Spring Water, who provided water for all the helpers. "We had 37 helpers in total, not including the ride officials," said Sarah Bishop. "We are so grateful to them all, as the ride could not go ahead without them."

£100 was also raised for the Air Ambulance.

The next ride is West Moor on Sunday July 18. See www.endurancegbsouthwest.co.uk for more details.