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Endurance as a sport is one of the fastest growing equestrian discipline in the UK and perhaps the world and arguably one of the friendliest and social.
It is a sport where the whole family can take part either riding together in the same class or giving a helping hand as rider back up crew, essential on longer rides.
There is no age limit but young riders up to the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult to compete in Competitive Rides.
Rides take part around the country where you will often be riding over routes not open to normal riders as we enjoy excellent relationships with major landowners and farmers.
Almost any type of Horse, Pony or even Mules can take part.
Before the start of any type of Endurance ride the horses are vetted to ensure they are capable of completing the course.
This extends to “Vet Checks” and compulsory “Holds” half way round and at the end of every competitive ride.
Horse welfare is paramount in Endurance so in general the longer the course the more Vet Checks and Holds there are.
Types of Ride
Classes range from simple Training/Pleasure rides starting at 10 miles (16K) and as you progress through the various levels of the sport the minimum speeds and distances increase.
The next level up from Training/Pleasure rides is Competitive rides (CR) where you and your horse compete to get a Grade based on the speed you completed the course and the horses’ heart rate at the end of the ride.
Riders who have competed in the sport for a while and who wish to progress can move to the next level of Endurance Races (ER).
Endurance races start at a distance of 50 miles (65Km) and increase up to a maximum of 100 miles (160Km).
All riders start together and the winner is the horse and rider combination that crosses the Finish line first, having successfully completed all the compulsory Vet Check and holds along the way.
Equipment
No specialist equipment is needed for riders who wish to start in Endurance although a map case is normally a good idea to keep the map and Ride details in when on the course.
Venue details, Maps and other information will be sent by the Ride Secretary well in advance of the ride date.
As you increase the distance you compete you may decide to change some of your standard riding equipment to make both you and your horse more comfortable.
Vented riding hats, Soft tread stirrups, easy clean Combination Bridles, that double as head collars, are some of the popular “essentials” as you get more experience.
Endurance Season
In general the competitive Endurance season in the UK start in Early Spring, although some regions organise Training/Pleasure rides as early as January, and finishes in late Autumn.
Throughout the season there are a mixture of single and multi-day rides in all parts of the country, over all types of terrain. Some of the biggest and well known being:
The Golden Horseshoe on Exmoor, Berkshire Downs near Wantage
The Dukeries in Sherwood Forest, Summer Solstice in Cirencester Park, The inter Regional Championship at Ludlow Race Course, Lindum Festival of Endurance at Market Rasen Race Course and The Red Dragon Ride at the Royal Welsh Showground.
It is a sport where the whole family can take part either riding together in the same class or giving a helping hand as rider back up crew, essential on longer rides.
There is no age limit but young riders up to the age of 14 years must be accompanied by an adult to compete in Competitive Rides.
Rides take part around the country where you will often be riding over routes not open to normal riders as we enjoy excellent relationships with major landowners and farmers.
Almost any type of Horse, Pony or even Mules can take part.
Before the start of any type of Endurance ride the horses are vetted to ensure they are capable of completing the course.
This extends to “Vet Checks” and compulsory “Holds” half way round and at the end of every competitive ride.
Horse welfare is paramount in Endurance so in general the longer the course the more Vet Checks and Holds there are.
Types of Ride
Classes range from simple Training/Pleasure rides starting at 10 miles (16K) and as you progress through the various levels of the sport the minimum speeds and distances increase.
The next level up from Training/Pleasure rides is Competitive rides (CR) where you and your horse compete to get a Grade based on the speed you completed the course and the horses’ heart rate at the end of the ride.
Riders who have competed in the sport for a while and who wish to progress can move to the next level of Endurance Races (ER).
Endurance races start at a distance of 50 miles (65Km) and increase up to a maximum of 100 miles (160Km).
All riders start together and the winner is the horse and rider combination that crosses the Finish line first, having successfully completed all the compulsory Vet Check and holds along the way.
Equipment
No specialist equipment is needed for riders who wish to start in Endurance although a map case is normally a good idea to keep the map and Ride details in when on the course.
Venue details, Maps and other information will be sent by the Ride Secretary well in advance of the ride date.
As you increase the distance you compete you may decide to change some of your standard riding equipment to make both you and your horse more comfortable.
Vented riding hats, Soft tread stirrups, easy clean Combination Bridles, that double as head collars, are some of the popular “essentials” as you get more experience.
Endurance Season
In general the competitive Endurance season in the UK start in Early Spring, although some regions organise Training/Pleasure rides as early as January, and finishes in late Autumn.
Throughout the season there are a mixture of single and multi-day rides in all parts of the country, over all types of terrain. Some of the biggest and well known being:
The Golden Horseshoe on Exmoor, Berkshire Downs near Wantage
The Dukeries in Sherwood Forest, Summer Solstice in Cirencester Park, The inter Regional Championship at Ludlow Race Course, Lindum Festival of Endurance at Market Rasen Race Course and The Red Dragon Ride at the Royal Welsh Showground.
Downloadable Forms
About Endurance Riding
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