Peebles Beltane Festival features three traditional equestrian rideouts, each playing a unique role in the celebration of the town's heritage.

Each of these three rideouts adds a unique dimension to the Festival, blending historical tradition with strong community spirit.

They are deeply woven into the fabric of the town, and their execution each year is a source of pride for riders and residents alike.

The first rideout of the week is the Beltane Wednesday Rideout, also known as the Riding of the Marches.

It takes place on the Wednesday evening of Beltane Week. The Cornet is officially installed at the steps of the Parish Church around 6:15 PM, after which he leads a mounted cavalcade of approximately 200 to 250 riders.

The "Riding of the Marches" relates to the historic practice of checking the boundaries of the burgh 'common lands''. The word 'march' was used to denote a boundary, or border, and a 'border district' - used chiefly in the plural - 'marches.

'Riding the Marches' refers to "a ceremony of riding round the bounds of a municipality". The Festival element has its links with the medieval custom of holding an annual sale or fayre, which in many cases was the only 'holiday' in existence for most of the workers, and also has links to the old customs of welcoming the advent of summer.

This large and impressive rideout begins in the centre of town and proceeds eastward to Peebles Hydro Hotel. The Cornet, the Cornet's Lass, and their Supporters ride to Neidpath Castle, where the Cornet is ceremonially welcomed by the Warden of Neidpath.

After this brief but important event, the Cornet and his Supporters meet the rideout and they continue over the slopes of Morning Hill and make their way to Hay Lodge Park.

One of the most iconic moments of the entire Beltane Festival then takes place - the riders ford the River Tweed, a spectacle greeted with loud cheers and applause from hundreds of townsfolk gathered along the riverbanks.

After crossing the water, the riders head onto Peebles Golf Course, where they take part in traditional horse races, the most prestigious of which is the Beltane Bell.

This Wednesday rideout is one of the cornerstones of the festival and is watched and supported by large crowds, young and old alike.

The second rideout takes place on Thursday evening, with a departure time of 6:00 PM.

Known as the Novice Ride, this event is designed to be more accessible and inclusive, particularly for those less experienced on horseback.

The route is shorter and less demanding than the Wednesday or Saturday rideouts, making it ideal for younger riders, families, and anyone wishing to take part in the Beltane riding tradition without the pressure of a long or challenging route.

While the exact course can vary slightly from year to year, the emphasis is always on safety, enjoyment, and participation.

The town supports this event enthusiastically, with many spectators turning out to cheer on familiar faces - neighbours, classmates, and even first-time riders - creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The third and final rideout is the Saturday Morning Ride, which takes place on Beltane Saturday, known locally as Red Letter Day.

The ride sets off from South Park Industrial Estate at 8:30 AM, led once more by the Cornet and his supporters.

The route leads the cavalcade through the scenic countryside, ascending Cademuir Hill and passing through Cademuir Forest, a traditional and symbolic boundary of the town’s old common lands.

This rideout plays an important ceremonial role, as the riders return in time to re-enter Peebles and join the town’s Grand Procession at around 11:15 AM.

By this time, the streets are packed with locals and visitors in festive mood, lining the High Street to welcome the riders home.

Their arrival marks the start of a day full of celebration, including the Crowning Ceremony of the Beltane Queen and various other events.

Riding the PEEBLES MARCHES (Wednesday) and the NOVICE RIDE (Thursday)

The Beltane Committee is concerned about any incident in the Rideouts involving horses or ponies being led by people walking.

Issues can arise if such led-horses fall out of the ride, and the Committee is also justifiably concerned about the safety of such people walking. Walking and leading horses or ponies, often ridden by young riders among 200 plus horses in the cavalcade is NOT a safe situation.

There is no age restriction placed on participating riders, so long as the riders are capable of completing the ride. People should be aware, that the widely used protocol at Rideouts, is, if a pony needs to be led, then it is acceptable to lead it from another ridden horse - as opposed to being led by a walker. Please adhere to this.

The Beltane Committee is continuing the Novice Ride on Thursday evening, led by the Cornet and Lass, but in which any Novice Riders being led must be led by an appropriate, competent person on foot.

Many people may not be aware that the Beltane Committee has to apply for permission to undertake most functions during Beltane Week, including Riding the Marches on Beltane Wednesday evening. In order to adhere to Marches and Parades legislation, plus safety guidance, the Committee has to submit precise route and timing details.

Along with Scottish Borders Council, we have to apply for Road Closure Orders to ensure the free flow of traffic. These details enable Police to allocate resources to police the event, plus associated road closures and diversion routes to control traffic issues and maintain public safety. The Committee is obliged to consider all aspects of the event to maintain the safety of spectators, participants, and other road users.

In recent years a number of horse riders taking part in the Rideout 'opted out' of completing the entire route, effectively 'pleasing themselves' by falling out of the Ride route, often to join back in later.

This causes confusion within the body of riders and is not an acceptable or workable situation. Horses off the approved route can potentially come into conflict with vehicles, creating difficulties on diversion routes. This is contrary to current legislation, is against good, sensible practice and guidance, and therefore cannot be condoned or permitted.

The Committee points out that whilst keen to encourage participation in Riding the Marches, we must insist that all riders adhere to the rules to maintain all-round safety of cavalcade participants, spectators, and the motoring public.

If any participant is seen to be breaching these rules then they may be asked to leave the Ride.

The Committee is required to consider the safety and wellbeing of everyone who may come into contact with our festivities, and we are obliged to have strict quidelines which must be adhered to.

Failure to adhere to our Rules, Conditions and guidance can lead to all sorts of problems, not least insurance.

The Committee cannot be held responsible for any issues arising from such irresponsible actions, and reserves the right for Officials or Committee Members to require anyone to leave the Ride. The decision of such an Official is final.

The Beltane Rideout is non-challenging by comparison with some others, but does involve open hill riding. Therefore, all riders, young and old, must be able to complete such a Ride.

Do not put your children and others at risk by presenting them at the Rideout before they are capable of completing it. A 'normally placid pony' can, in a large mounted company, be a real handful to control so please adhere to our guidance, and safety rules, in order that everyone can enjoy the March Riding safely.