Golden Button Challenge - Britain's craziest horse race

Probably the maddest horse race in the country, more than 60 horses signed up for the Ledbury Hunt's Golden Button challenge on Saturday 23 February 2019. We go behind the scenes to find out what it's all about.
Winner, for the second year running, was Yvonne Goss riding Untilla Legend - aka Jaffa. She becomes the first dual winner of the race. Point-to-point riders Rowan Cope, Peter Bull and Ed Bailey filled the next three places. All 45 horses and riders who came under orders were unscathed by the gruelling four-mile chase along the banks of the River Severn near Forthampton in the Ledbury Hunt country.
▶ For the Golden Button challenge, go to www.golden-button.co.uk
▶ The Ledbury Hunt website is www.ledburyhunt.com
▶ Join the Fieldsports Nation. Just £/$/€4.99 a month gets you Fieldsports Channel membership. Click here: / @fieldsportstv
Thanks to:
▶ Stuart Dubois / @stuartdubois
▶ Charlie Redvers / @charlieredversphotogr...
▶ Luke Arnall
This item appears on KZbin in Fieldsports Britain, episode 482 Fcha.nl/fieldsportsbritain482
Sign up for our weekly email newsletter www.fieldsportschannel.tv/regi...
We’re proud to promote enjoyment of fieldsports and the countryside. There are three guiding principles to everything we do on Fieldsports Channel:
▶ Shoot responsibly
▶ Respect the quarry
▶ Ensure a humane, clean and quick kill
Take part in nature. Join the Fieldsports Nation Fcha.nl

[@tommotom7324]

I've been a racing fan for 40 years and I had never heard of this race! Damn, its like a 19th century Grand National!

[@anthonyharris6666]

Fantastic, we need more people like this in the world. Fearless, plenty of guts living life to the full. If your life isn’t threatened at least 3 times a day then you are not living.

[@gucciplease5076]

😂 “ if your life is not threatened at least three times a day you are not living

[@Chalky29]

7:16 the only one sensible enough to go through the gap and not need to jump is the riderless horse.

[@trickpony111]

WOW! I think I developed a gastric ulcer just watching this. Y’all got balls of steel. Ill just sit over here on my barrel horse and watch the shenanigans from a safe distance. And the sweet lady that won looks like she made a pie or finished a quilt before deciding to pickle everyone’s ego. Bravo!!

[@equineelli2726]

Why the fuck would you want to put your horse in such danger?

[@Lagolop]

That's what I wonder too.

[@millybenest2173]

Just me the whole time trying to sport the dude on his tiny pony

[@angelaguillemet5179]

He fell off in the end sadly

[@cyflym11]

I don't think it was actually a tiny pony, they were just calling it that in comparison to all the leggy thoroughbreds! It must have been at least 15.2hh which is well over pony size.

[@millybenest2173]

@@cyflym11 yea probably just still looked funny bc it was so much smaller then all the others

[@Oakleaf700]

Tayto! Named after the best Irish Crisps, I guess?... Tayto looks as others have said about 15:2, compared to the chap's shoulders at the end..A cracking little horse! I love TB's. as so comfy, but brave cob types like him are legends.

[@Oakleaf700]

@@millybenest2173 Tayto definitely is a different type to the others, but a brave bold 'little' cob type compared to the rangier TB's. A 'Leg at each corner' type. Clearly a great jumper !

[@ArchersView]

Great footage Lads!👍

[@charlottewebster4233]

5:35 OK let's go RRRAAAAAAARGGH!!!!

[@melanieselin4187]

This is absolutly insane and reckless, poor horses.

[@sarahlloyd2410]

Agreed. Steeplechasing is more dangerous than average racing as not only are you going at a flat out gallop, but you have to jump tall and often times long hedges when you're literally standing up in the saddle and amongst other riders-if one rider stops or falls you could crash right into them and possible kill them. It disgusts me when most of the riders had a laugh at the other who fell and their horses. This sport is extremely cruel and abusive.

[@marttyler2569]

Cheers karen

[@SS-gj2tx]

For those saying this is extremely dangerous, how is it any different from the grand national...

[@Oakleaf700]

Looks more chaotic with horses cutting you up, smashing into one at jumps, as a 'Take your own line' thing. This happens it Grand National, too...But being at the front would be the best!..and safest.

[@treigjmiller2847]

Are you REALLY asking that question?

[@jade4251]

Just because its not the grand national doesn't mean that's its not any more or less dangerous. Still the same concept of running a long distance with tall jumps and many other competitors.

[@sanjuancb]

This was epic! I very much enjoyed it and am glad there are people still willing to undertake such a course.

[@texaspoontapper2508]

I nearly had a heart attack. This is so dangerous.

[@chloestephenson4726]

no doffeeent to racing

[@katebrady2002]

Its not as insane as that Maryland race they have in America with fixed timber, at least if you crash into a hedge you just sort of fall through it

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

A fantastic video. I gave up riding horses when I got my first motorbike when I was eight. Judging from that I'm bloody glad I did!

[@rachelhutchings]

So you gave up a deadly animal for a deadly vehicle....

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

@@rachelhutchings I've ridden motorcycles for fifty years and I'm still alive. I can tell because I'm typing this reply.

[@rachelhutchings]

@@grendelgrendelsson5493 I've ridden horses since I was 3. I'm not 30. Still alive too

[@rachelhutchings]

@@grendelgrendelsson5493 can guarentee if I reach 53 without killing myself ill still be riding horses

[@grendelgrendelsson5493]

@@rachelhutchings I don't blame you!

[@lorrygeewhizzbang9521]

this looks like great craic!😃

[@sallyburdette9377]

Love this!!! Fabulous

[@keirax6362]

Absolute stupidity. Anyone who says differently has absolutely no care for theirs and their horses safety.

[@meduseon7943]

Excellent. Subbed.

[@K2shadowfax]

That was absolutely FABULOUS! Brilliant stuff...well done, all!

[@upturnedblousecollar5811]

That view at 0:55 is just beautiful

[@martylesnick2032]

I CANT BELEIVE HOW THESE RIDERS ENDANGER THEIR HORSES AND OF COURSE THEMSELVES IN THIS COMPETITION. Susan

[@shelleymoore5740]

What a race! I'm going to have to have a go at this (although l'll have to take the harness off Moose). Wonder what he'll make of those fences? Maybe leave the blinkers on, so he can't see what's coming.....

[@gretasnipe7631]

Lots of messages saying it’s great to see people willing to do this. The horses don’t get a say. That will prompt the same old lame response, “Well why do they continue to jump without a rider?” Because, dear heart, a horse is a prey animal; it is instinct when it sees other horses running. That is not enjoyment, it is a survival reaction. A horse race is just a manufactured stampede.

[@poloatalajeyalgomas2358]

Me encantó esa competencia

[@gucciplease5076]

I ❤ it please can we have this in the USA… goal to be in this

[@niallash2315]

Looks like a right laugh aslong as everyone and horse gets back safe then why the hell not

[@Tanzman78]

I rode in it, fell at the 4th fence in the red jeans 👎

[@cyflym11]

Good for you. I'd never have the guts.

[@okarnillokarnill975]

Oh well done for starting!! It looks incredible, Going to try again when the madness of covid is over? good luck!

[@julieily7455]

this has to stop the Horse are only injured ... 7:23 the horse are already bleeding

[@charliegardiner505]

famous now charlie redvers

[@happyoutdoorsireland6787]

Mad feckers.... well done 👍 some beautiful jumps

[@Eventer6]

Absolutely wonderful

[@diva0191]

Girl power ! Well done Yvonne

[@residentevil8893]

Haha this is great love the uk

[@mkfloyd9131]

Ace what more can one say...

[@angelikasiemers2677]

Schlimm, die armen Pferde

[@metallitech]

Too much risk of horses breaking legs IMO.

[@deplorabled1695]

This was how British men used to train for war. These types of events were breeding grounds for the creation of the best cavalry units in Europe.

[@helensmart8521]

@@deplorabled1695 And necessary now because....?

[@greatbritain5626]

Helen Smart it can help train the horses and racers who compete in the grand national, and various other horse races

[@Jsa460]

No way I'd risk my horse's life for a stupid race. Agree, this looks so dangerous, I'm surprised no horses broke legs or neck in this thing.

[@SS-gj2tx]

No different than the grand national

[@CuteGirl-iz9mf]

7:23 ,the gray horse is bleeding. His leg actually...

[@helenhodge-croom9635]

his chest too! I had to pause it catch it but it's right chest at shoulder and the left side where the leg and shoulder meet(if you were sitting on the horse)

[@rachelhutchings]

Not defending BTW. but they always look worse than they actually are

[@ThomasDoubting5]

Do you have to be a member of a hunt to enter this?

[@alexlawson8931]

Nice one Charlie 💪

[@levanah]

The man with the “pony” says he wiped out and the interviewer asks “English or Irish?” at 8:29. What does that mean?

[@annemarquardt]

he was asking if he was "wiped out". of the race by someone who was Irish...or English....they discussed at length earlier in the race that over 20 of the participants were Irish....even though the race is run in England. The Irish represented various fox hunts in Ireland and this is run at one of the most prestigious of England's fox hunts,.

[@csb7376]

He said someone wiped him out, although the footage shows him unseating on his own.

[@oumyara4137]

Ive been riding for 7 years and ... i will never do this in a 1000 years . 💗😂 Look i jump that height once and i fell down . I can only jump like 1m10 or 1m20 like in between . 😂 But i does seem fun but very dangerous for horses . 💗😅⚠️

[@toygunbasaran3858]

mükemmel tebrikler çok keyifli

[@sarajones0305]

Why would anyone do this to there horse

[@steconway9199]

looks like a lot of fun.

[@skibidifanumrizzler]

STEEL BALL RUN

[@Oakleaf700]

Tato! Go, Tato!

[@MsVanorak]

i had an irish cob cross thoroughbred (?) and it was like a split personality according to how she felt on the day. sometimes I couldn't get much more than a trekking pony amble but other days it was swinley bottom!

[@Oakleaf700]

@@MsVanorak Irish horses can be lovely..But Mares...They have their flighty days anyway :)

[@raemil9252]

These people are crazy fools.

[@niabiilo]

It's more like an abuse than a sport IMO.

[@SS-gj2tx]

Same as the grand national

[@rachelhutchings]

And dressage and xcou try and show jumping and generic 4iding lessons

[@treigjmiller2847]

@@rachelhutchings Yes.... because pissing about in a sand arena is just the same

[@molliescott1082]

We do not hurt we make what the horses have to do and we do not do it with abuse

[@oioi1034]

This looks like great craic and the horses seem to love it. My yoke would fall flat on his face before the first jump tho knowing him 😂

[@brookedavidson7305]

Kinda sorta Equestrian I can tell you for a fact that the horses don’t enjoy this.

[@oioi1034]

Brooke Davidson some of them do and others don’t it’s the same with everything the pony I ride would love it if the jumps were smaller

[@jenniferblears192]

@@brookedavidson7305 Did a horse tell you?

[@moofymoo]

look, man down, yoohooo!!

[@its_sofie2926]

Why did so many people go oof

[@poppymills6811]

This looks right fun and I would deffo do this if I had the horse

[@amelie9429]

WTF stop at 7:23 the white horse hase a huge wound on his leg, not a fan

[@oioi1034]

Amschlie :o I don’t see anythin I think it’s muck

[@hallieequine6785]

it’s from where it scraped its legs over a hedge, nothing major

[@CelticCari]

@@hallieequine6785 totally with you. If it was major it would most likely bleed as hell, as for the blood pressure is really high during the race.

[@cyflym11]

Horses do worse to themselves in fields all the time. Mine broke his leg in the field. They might as well be having some fun, and yes they do love it. You couldn't make a horse jump fences like that if it didn't want to.

[@VK-qe7if]

@@cyflym11 They only do it because they are running together, and being herd animals that's what they do. I wonder how many horses would jump in cold blood over those fences, not many I'm guessing.

[@babsfocker7751]

i'll stick to cross rails

[@anouckbeirnaert8202]

Makers: "oh let's see how we can kill some horses!"

[@chloestephenson4726]

it’s a bit of fun no different to eventing

[@chloestephenson4726]

or ravi g

[@SUBJECTA15]

I feel incredibly bad for the horses, there was about 25 loose horses omg

[@benstone4667]

Best video I’ve seen on this channel

[@MultiplePancakesFTW]

Look at the grey at 7:22 it’s hind leg has a nasty gash on it

[@ST-RTheProtogen]

It just amazes me that those poor horses put up with this crap! *Do you see how many fell or were hit by another rider or even crashed into those jumps?!* I may not be a horse rider, or a vet, but if *HUMAN* legs can't take that kind of beating without injury, Then HOW CAN THOSE HORSES' LEGS TAKE IT?? They are actually thinner or about the same as ours, but horses weigh more!

[@okarnillokarnill975]

They're also a damn sight stronger, thicker bone and built to run and jump. Human bodies are feeble in comparison.

[@equestanton1017]

"This is carnage this is fantastic"......never seen such bad riding in my life.

[@carolynstewart8465]

Pretty knarly for sure!

[@tudorwynphillips6458]

OMG crazy

[@djbillybopdjbillybop2817]

Tiobraid Árann ABÚ In English Tipperary forever

[@geraldswain3259]

Incwedibly bwave !.

[@markcatherall8460]

Wow

[@stephenfalkowski8440]

For that reason I’m out

[@rteurope1758]

Still going after the 3 dead horses in 2015, 1 with a broken back and 2 after heart failures. Selfish humans without a care for the horses, and unacceptable risk to them.

[@AzureHeartSong]

It’s like someone in the UK watched a Snowy Mountain River Race and decided that they needed it in the UK. This is definitely looks like some American nonsense 😂

[@stephenfalkowski8440]

Too much chance for me to have hove on face Imfor that reason I’m out

[@colinjohnston5465]

so, no professional riders and no professionally run horses. If only I was sufficiently competent and fit to do this.

[@ThomasDoubting5]

There is always time to get fit and Id imagine become slightly unhinged enough to go for it.

[@lee7701]

I love horse racing but this is just rich country people doing weird eccentric stuff as usual.

[@BlaBla-pf8mf]

The most british thing I've ever seen.

[@nyokabradford6639]

I think this is absolutely horrible not only to risk ur life but to put a animals life in danger that has absolutely no choice but to trust his or her rider is absolutely heart breaking these people don't give a shit about their own life so I'm sure they could give a shit less about their horses most of the animals are ride by people who are hired to ride them while there rich owners sit around and get drunk and watch horses and riders fall left and right smfh this is just sad seriously

[@magistertinte2522]

Einfach nur bekloppt...

[@fieldsportstv]

Ja 🙂

[@horses2850]

Do people find this funny? my horses mean everything to me and all this would do is knock their confidence and put them through so much Un neccesry danger. I mean yeah if you want to do it go ahead but I would never put my horse through that

[@colinjohnston5465]

you don't have to join in if you don't want to. What do you do with your horses? Only hacking? Can't be eventing or you'd know the score. Can't be show jumping or dressage (look at the unnatural shapes they put their horses into) so what do you do with your horses?

[@PurplePoppyAnimator]

Hell this would give my horses confidence, whenever he's off work and loses confidence at jumps after time off, when fit enough, a good go at the XC or a Hunt with other horses really lifts his spirits up, and company by encourages him to jump, he learns that he is able to do it!

[@helensmart8521]

@@colinjohnston5465 Eventing is heaps better run than this thing e.g. frangible pins on the cross country jumps, nothing like this free for all hot mess

[@oioi1034]

My horse would adore this, I think it depends on the horse and rider. You have to trust your horse and they they have to trust you and your away

[@LilianaVelascoAriza]

If only the irresponsible uncaring humans died I would not mind at all but it is a crime to force horses to go on a suicidal "race" The cowards riding them probably have high inssurance on the horse so they cash in one way or the other. disgraceful!!

[@Muushondje]

Absolute abuse of horses.

[@oliverhawkins9935]

I know what u mean posh pricks if you ask me

[@yarmouthiow]

@@oliverhawkins9935 Don't assume they are all posh. They might be pricks.........

[@mrmarkjwall]

You can’t make a horse do stuff like that. Those that can tend to love showing off their talent, and why wouldn’t you, if your good at something. Getting the buzz is what life’s about, horse and rider

[@LilianaVelascoAriza]

@@oliverhawkins9935 Nothing to do with posh purely a-holes!

[@Alien937]

Not fair on the horse! Should be banned!

[@srccsimmons10]

Yes, because they were clearly whipping and beating their horses all the way round. Sure. Yeah, stuff a sock in it. Those horses ran or didn't as they pleased, and a horse that doesn't want to go, won't. There were plenty of stewards on the field to watch out for the horses.

[@colinjohnston5465]

looks incredible, and if you can't do it you ban it. Bless you for your incompetence. The horses, by the way, love it!

[@FancySassy80]

watch out for the keyboard jockey.. both riders and horses had a blast did you not see the horses without riders still jumping the fences and running full speed..!

[@sydsquid1904]

steve Williams agreed. There are safer ways to have fun while horseback riding. Why can’t these people just do cross country or go out on hacks? It’s basically the same thing, but much less dangerous.

[@VK-qe7if]

@@colinjohnston5465 I couldn't care less about the riders getting hurt because they have a choice, but I am concerned about the horses because they don't have a choice.

[@LilianaVelascoAriza]

And I thought hunters could not go any lower, bloody evil cowards!

[@colinjohnston5465]

why are they cowards? Got to have the heart of a lion both 4 legged and 2 legged to do that. Makes you proud, doesn't it?