It has been 20 years since the first Ride the Wight, and the 2022 event will start from Kingates Equestrian Centre, Niton.

This year’s ride is a two-day event on May 14-15, and is run in association with Endurance GB.

Scroll through our gallery of images above to see more pictures and press clippings from the past...

As always, the organisers are hoping to attract a good number of riders from both the Isle of Wight and mainland.

In the past, the event has started from numerous venues around the Isle of Wight, including Brading Down; Lake Farm at Rookley and the Dinosaur Farm on the Military Road in the early years.

Isle of Wight County Press: Ride the Wight 2017. Caroline Cooper (left) on Bun, and Lora Crawley on Rosie.Ride the Wight 2017. Caroline Cooper (left) on Bun, and Lora Crawley on Rosie.

For 2022, the Niton start will allow riders to explore some new bridleways and tracks not used in previous years.

The routes are varied terrain and there are no repeat trails on the first 40km.

The routes also give riders an opportunity to explore the Isle of Wight’s vast network of bridleways, there is minimal roadwork on all routes and there are amazing views from the top of the downs.

The ride will be supported by Raynet at the checkpoints for additional safety support.

The distances on offer this year have been produced to suit all riders, from 40km in a circular route, with a few shorter routes branching off of 30km, 26km, 16km and 10kms.

The 40km will start at Niton heading towards Ventnor Downs, Wroxall, Appuldurcombe, Godshill, Rookley and across towards Shorwell, before heading home via Chale back over St Catherine’s Down into Niton.

Isle of Wight County Press: Karen Whittington and Midsummer Haze at the 2002 Ride the Wight.Karen Whittington and Midsummer Haze at the 2002 Ride the Wight.

Visiting riders are also being encouraged to arrive a few days early and camp on-site or stay in holiday accommodation locally, so that they can explore the Isle of Wight's fantastic network of bridleways, as well as the horse-accessible beaches, such as Ryde and Yaverland.

Horse riders who would like to take part should contact Karen Whittington on 07854 609107, or via email:karenandrobert2008@hotmail.co.uk

Like reading about the Isle of Wight in bygone days, or anniversaries of special Island events? Click here to visit our Looking Back section.