What is Endurance Riding on Horses About

by Tammy Robinson of

TRAIL-RITE RANCH

Email:Trailrite@aol.com

Introduction

An endurance ride is an event in which the same horse and rider compete together over a marked trail, up to 50 miles or more in length, within a specific maximum allowed time. There is no minimum time requirement. Veterinarians before the ride, throughout the competition at regular intervals, and after the ride to assure their health and safety examine the horses.

Since the average endurance rider is almost always the horse's owner, trainer, and groom, you need not be wealthy. Endurance riding is particularly appealing to the person with an average pocketbook. Discipline, dedication and a sense of adventure are the most important ingredients for success.

Endurance riding is a sport that has many levels of appeal. For some, if is a highly competitive and challenging athletic endeavor done with you and your horse. For others, it is a recreational activity combining a camping trip with an extended trail ride. This is also appealing for families. This is a sport that the family can compete together. Most rides are put on in areas that would never be open to the general public. This is a way to see things that you or your family would never normally have access to. It provides an opportunity to discover America as our forefathers did – from the back of a horse.

In conjunction with the endurance competition, a "Limited Distance" or Novice ride of 25 to 35 miles is usually held. These rides are designed specifically for a beginner, young or older horses or for people who just simply enjoy the shorter distances. They are given separate awards in their own completion. At most rides the winner in a Limited Distance ride is given to the horse that comes across the finish line and meets a low pulse requirement first.

Most endurance rides are sanctioned by an association called the "American Endurance Ride Conference" (AERC). It was founded in 1972 as a national governing body for long distance riding. Over the years it has developed a set of rules and guidelines designed to provide a standardized format and strict veterinary controls. The AERC sanctions more than 500 rides each year throughout North America. In addition to promoting the sport of endurance riding, the AERC encourages the use, protection, and development of equestrian trails, especially those with historic significance. Many special events of three to six consecutive days take place on historic trails. These trails include the Pony Express Trail, The Outlaw Trail, Chief Joseph Trail, The Renegade Trail, and the Lewis & Clark Trail. These rides promote awareness of the importance of trail preservation for future generations and foster an appreciation of our American heritage.

Rides sanctioned by the AERC must abide by the following rules:

1. The ride must be at least 50 miles in length per day.
2. The horses must be under the control of veterinarians experienced with horses or endurance rides.
3. The ride must be open to any breed or type of horse or mule.
4. Equines entered in the ride must be at least five years old.
5. There is no minimum time limit for completion.
6. All riders who successfully complete the ride must receive an award.
7. The winner is the rider who successfully completes the ride in the fastest time.
8. An award must be available for the horse judged to be in the Best Condition.
9. A junior rider is a rider under the age of 16 as of the first day of the competition season (Dec.1). An adult throughout the ride must accompany all juniors.

AERC endurance rides have five divisions:

1. Featherweight (up to 165 lbs.)
2. Lightweight (161 to 185 lbs.)
3. Middleweight (186 to 210 lbs.)
4. Heavyweight ( 211 lbs. on up)
5. Junior Division (for children under 16)

Best Condition Award:

Because endurance riders recognize the prime importance of finishing the event on a sound and healthy horse, the motto of the association (AERC) is "To Finish is to Win!"

In 1978 the "Federation Equestre Internationale" (FEI) recognized endurance riding as an international sport, and since that date the U.S. and Canada have regularly swept the team and individual medals.

In 1993 Endurance became the fifth discipline under the "United States Equestrian Team" (U.S.E.T.).

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