What is endurance riding?

IF YOU’VE NEVER HEARD OF ENDURANCE RIDING, THAT’S OK.

Endurance rides are competitive events, ridden off road on a marked trail, with one rider on one horse, ranging from 25 to 100 miles ridden in one day. Rides from 25 to 35 miles are called the “Limited Distance” distance, and rides between 50 and 100 miles are called the “Endurance” distance. The rides have time limits: you have six clock hours to finish a 25 mile ride, twelve hours to finish a 50 mile ride, and twenty four hours to finish a 100 mile ride.

In endurance riding, the equine and rider are a team, and the challenge is to complete the course with a horse that is "fit to continue." A panel of control judges (Veterinarians) supervise and monitor the equines, each of which must pass a pre-ride examination in order to start the event. During each ride are set hold times, which vary in duration from a simple stop-and-go to one-hour rest holds. During these holds, the equine's physical and metabolic parameters are checked. The horse must pass the exam in order to continue on the course. Each horse must also pass a post-ride exam in order to receive credit for completing the course.

“Can my horse do endurance?”  Your average horse is a perfectly suitable mount for a shorter 25-35 mile ride. Do your research, condition your horse, and have a great first ride!  You’ll be hooked. A great way to get started is to attend a ride and help as a volunteer. You will learn a lot about how it all works. You can also make contacts to find a mentor to help you learn about the sport.

The best resource to learn about Endurance Riding is the AERC website. (American Endurance Ride Conference) Here you can find all you need to know to get started. Join the AERC to help support this great sport.