Riding of

The Bounds

Who
we are

We are the Berwick Riders Association, a passionate community of riders, volunteers, and supporters dedicated to preserving one of Berwick-upon-Tweed’s oldest and most cherished traditions. From serving on our committee and riding alongside our Principals, to organising school events, fundraising, and looking after safety on the day, we do it all with pride, pride in our town and a shared love for heritage. Explore below to meet the Principals, learn more about our history, and discover what goes into the running of our special day..

berwick upon tweed riders association logo on a horse with a close up of riders boots on a horse on bounds day
Principals riding horses at Canty's Brig, one woman leading with a large bounds flag, all wearing formal riding attire with sashes and helmets.

2025 Principals

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  • A group of five women in equestrian attire standing on stage with a man wearing a kilt and blazer. They are in a room with yellow walls, a framed portrait of King Charles hanging above, a flag behind them, and an audience in front.

    Left-Hand Man 2025: Caitlin Grant

    What an unforgettable year I’ve had as Chief Marshal for 2024. Representing Berwick, flying the town’s flag on ride day, and leading the cavalcade was everything I could have hoped for and more.

    Returning into town at the end of the day was an emotional moment – bittersweet, knowing that my time as Chief Marshal was coming to a close, but full of pride for everything we’d achieved.

    I’m delighted to be continuing the journey in 2025 as Left-Hand Man. Whether it was hail, rain or sunshine, I always rode with a smile on my face. The memories I’ve made – and the friendships I’ve built – will stay with me forever.

    A big thank you to the Berwick Riders Association, the incredible horses I had the privilege of riding, and my parents who supported me through it all – whether as drivers, fashion advisors, or emotional cheerleaders!

    Welcome to Laura Hunter, our new Right-Hand Man – I hope you have a brilliant year. And congratulations to Millie – you were a fantastic Right-Hand last year and I know you’ll shine as Chief Marshal.

    Massive well done as well to my mascot, Hollie Rae – you were amazing!

    Here’s to 2025 – let’s make it another year to remember.
    HIP HIP! SAFE OOT! SAFE IN!

  • Three people posing indoors, one woman in riding attire with ribbons and medals, flanked by a man in blue jacket and a woman in beige blazer, all smiling.

    Chief Marshal 2025: Millie Hope

    I’m so proud to be representing my hometown of Berwick-upon-Tweed as this year’s Chief Marshal.

    Last year was truly unforgettable – from Berwick to the Borders, I made memories that I’ll carry with me forever. I’ve always had a passion for horses, and I first rode in the Bounds at the age of 9. I actually applied to be mascot once, though it wasn’t meant to be at the time! So when I saw the Principal role open, I knew it was something I’d love to do.

    A huge thank you goes to the Castle Hotel – my place of work – for all their support and for hosting fundraisers along the way. I’m also incredibly grateful to my friends, family, and the Berwick Riders Association committee for their encouragement and hard work.

    It’s an honour to be leading alongside Right-Hand Man Laura Hunter, whose smile and enthusiasm never fade, and Left-Hand Man Caitlin Grant, who guided me last year with so much kindness and knowledge.

    To our sponsors and friends of the Bounds – thank you for everything you do. The way Berwick folk rally behind local events is something I’ll always be proud of.

    Safe oot, safe in everyone! HIP HIP!

  • A woman at an outdoor event wearing riding gear, a black helmet, and decorated with blue and red ribbons and badges, smiling and holding a small water bottle and a phone.

    Right-Hand Man 2025: Laura Hunter

    First and foremost, I’m honoured to have been chosen as Right-Hand Man for 2025. A huge thank you to the committee for putting their trust in me – it’s a real privilege.

    My first memory of Riding of the Bounds is watching the horses leave town from my school, St Cuthbert’s. I loved making a morning of it – finding a good spot on the street and soaking up the atmosphere. I never imagined I’d one day be riding with them.

    In 2021, I joined the committee with a friend, and it wasn’t long before I was in the saddle myself. Last year, I rode the Bounds for the first time at the age of 36 – proof that it’s never too late to get involved!

    It was a truly emotional day, hearing the crowds and following the Chief Marshal through the town and Borders. This year, I’m excited to ride alongside Millie and Caitlin, and I look forward to another busy – and brilliant – summer.

    Thank you to my family and the Riders Association committee for their constant support.

    Safe oot, safe in.

  • Young woman with curly hair holding a toy horse, standing outdoors and smiling at a man wearing a blue plaid jacket.

    Junior Mascot 2025: Georgie Duffy

    I’m so excited to be chosen as this year’s Junior Mascot!

    My sister was mascot back in 2022, and I absolutely loved watching her ride and lead the cavalcade. I knew then that I wanted to follow in her footsteps – especially when she described what it felt like to walk down the high street at the front of the procession.

    Although I only rode the Berwick Bounds for the first time last year, I’ve spent every year cheering from the crowd, watching and waiting for my chance to take part. I can’t wait to be out and about this summer, proudly flying the Berwick colours.

    Millie – our Chief Marshal – is a very close friend who I’ve always looked up to, and we always have a good laugh together. I’m thrilled to be riding beside her this year.

    I’m 13 years old and really proud to represent both Berwick and the younger generation of riders in this year’s season of Common Ridings.

Over 400 years of history, horses and community spirit

Each spring, Berwick-upon-Tweed comes alive with colour, pageantry and pride as horses and riders take to the streets for the Riding of the Bounds – a centuries-old tradition that celebrates the town’s border, its people, and its past.

Rooted in a Royal Charter dating back to 1609, this is more than just a ride – it’s a living link to Berwick’s heritage. Today, it’s kept alive by passionate volunteers, Principal Riders, and the wider community.

Whether you're a rider, a history lover, or just someone who loves a good spectacle – there's a place for you in the Riding of the Bounds.

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Approximate Timings

on Bounds Day

A detailed watercolor drawing of a horse's head wearing a bridle, facing forward, on a black background.

Please note that all timings are approximate and depend on weather conditions or unexpected delays.

  • 9:30am – Judging of Best Turned Out classes

  • 9:45am – Riders to be mounted

  • 10:00am – Call to Order. Riders assemble behind the Chief Marshal and proceed to Barracks Square

  • 10:30am – Cavalcade leaves the Barracks and proceeds via Walkergate to the Guildhall

  • 10:40am – Chief Marshal formally requests permission from the Mayor to ride the Bounds

  • 10:45am – Cavalcade departs the Guildhall

  • 11:15am – Riders arrive at Jingling Bridge and continue via Seaview, Newfields and old road

  • 11:25am – A1 Roundabout crossing, onto Conundrum Farm Road

  • 11:45am – Fields towards the Border Wall

  • 12:05pm – Arrive at Woodhills

  • 12:25pm – Duns Road crossing

  • 12:45pm – Bridleway

  • 1:00pm – Top of New Mills

  • 1:15pm – River crossing at New Mills (weather dependent; alternative via Canty’s Bridge if needed)

  • 1:30pm – Riders arrive at Gainslaw Hill Farm (optional gallop for those continuing – gallop visible from Canty’s Bridge)

  • 1:45pm – Gallopers arrive at Gainslaw

  • 2:30pm – Rest break / Trotting Races (weather permitting)

  • 3:05pm – Ride resumes towards Baldersbury

  • 3:20pm – Letham Shank & flyover crossing (no viewing – private land)

  • 3:50pm – Chief Marshal receives the flag at Castle Terrace

  • 4:00pm – Return to Guildhall. Chief Marshal returns the flag to the Mayor

  • Riders then return to Wallace Green and Parade car parks

Contact us

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