Endurance riding, a challenging equestrian sport, revolves around managing controlled long-distance races. Recognised by the FEI as an international competition, these endurance rides take place globally. Although the distances can vary, one-day competitions rarely exceed 160 kilometers.
This article focuses on endurance rides, a subset of long-distance riding that also includes competitive trail riding. In endurance events, the horse that finishes first, while passing periodic veterinary checks ensuring its health and fitness, is declared the winner. Much like marathon running for humans, many participants aim to better their horse's personal records, with completing the race and securing a clean vet record considered a significant achievement.
In the United States, common endurance ride lengths are 50 or 100 miles (160 km). For beginners or young horses, shorter Limited Distance (LD) rides are organised. These LD rides have grown into a distinct competitive category, attracting seasoned riders and horses. There are also longer, often multi-day, rides. In the US, the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) and the Equine Distance Riding Association (EDRA), mainly in the Pacific Northwest, sanction these rides. In the UK, Endurance GB is the overseeing body. Top riders can complete a 100-mile ride in approximately 14 to 15 hours.
While any horse breed can participate, Arabians usually dominate due to their exceptional stamina and endurance.
A Historical Perspective
The tradition of long-distance riding dates back to the early days of horse domestication. However, organised endurance riding began in the United States, inspired by European cavalry tests, particularly those from Polish and Russian WWI contexts. These tests required horses to carry 300 pounds over 100 miles in a single day. The formal sport emerged in 1913 in Vermont, initiated by the Morgan Horse Club, where seven riders on Arabians or Morgans covered 154 miles in about 31 hours. The most renowned endurance ride, the Tevis Cup, started in 1955 when Wendell Robie and fellow riders traversed from Lake Tahoe to Auburn in under 24 hours, tackling the Western States Trail's challenging terrain.
Ride Structure
Prior to the ride, horses undergo a veterinary inspection to confirm their fitness. Riders are provided with a map or GPS waypoints detailing the route, compulsory halt locations ("holds"), and natural obstacles. Trails are marked with coloured ribbons or small arrow markers.
The ride is segmented into various sections, known by different terms like legs or loops, depending on the sanctioning organisation. After each segment, horses stop for a veterinary check (often called a "vet check" or "vetgate") to assess their soundness and hydration, with their pulse and respiration measured. To continue, horses must reduce their heart rate below a specified level, typically 64 bpm, though this can vary based on terrain and weather. Riders’ time continues until their horses meet the heart rate requirement, making rapid recovery essential. Horses unfit to proceed, due to lameness or fatigue, are "pulled" from the competition. Post-vet check, horses rest for an additional hold time (usually 40-60 minutes), during which they are fed and watered. If the inspection is on the course, ride management typically delivers riders' personal gear, food, and water to the location.
While some riders compete without additional assistance, known as riding cavalry, many have a support crew for vet checks. In high-level competitions, this support is crucial for efficiently preparing the horse and caring for both horse and rider during mandatory holds. An effective crew enables the rider to focus on the trail's demands and strategy.
Riders set their own pace, adjusting to the terrain and their horse’s condition, requiring knowledge of pacing and their horse’s signs of fatigue. Completion times are capped (12 hours for 50 miles and 24 hours for 100 miles). Riders can dismount and walk or jog alongside their horse without penalty, though in FEI competitions, they must be mounted at the start and finish. AERC has no such mounting requirements.
Terrain and Awards
The terrain varies significantly across rides, with natural obstacles marked along the trails. In regions lacking wilderness areas, no more than 10% of the route can be on paved roads. The first horse to finish and pass the vet check as "fit to continue" wins. In some competitions, winners are determined by a combination of speed and recovery rate, especially for limited-distance rides (25-49 miles).
Additional awards recognise the best-conditioned horses finishing in the top 10 for rides 50 miles or longer. The Best Conditioned (BC) award, often more coveted than first place, considers speed, weight carried, and veterinary scores. Thus, a horse finishing fourth but carrying a heavier rider and having equal vet scores could win the BC award. Endurance riding is less formal than other equestrian sports, with comfort prioritised in clothing choices. The AERC mandates helmets for junior riders, but has few other equipment requirements. However, individual ride managers might impose specific rules, such as helmet or hoof protection use, detailed in the ride flyer or website. FEI competitions require helmets, breeches or tights, proper footwear, and a collared shirt.
Endurance saddles, designed for long hours of riding, are lightweight and comfortable for both horse and rider. They vary from English saddle variations to lightweight western saddle designs. Riders might use various experimental designs, such as treeless or flexible panel saddles, to reduce weight. Many endurance saddles include extra rings for attaching equipment.
In CEI rides, riders and their saddles must meet a minimum weight of 75 kilograms (165 lb). Riders under this weight must carry additional weights. Weigh-ins are conducted before and after the race, with potential unscheduled checks during the race. AERC has different weight divisions, and riders must weigh at least as much as their division's minimum.
Bridles can feature various bits or hackamores, and breast collars are commonly used to stabilise the saddle over rough terrain. Crupper use is less common, but sometimes necessary to prevent saddle slippage. Protective boots may be used, though they can pose issues in certain terrains, potentially causing irritation and lameness. Hoof protection varies, from barefoot to hoof boots and shoes.
Through the intricate planning, physical endurance, and strategic pacing required, endurance riding offers a unique and demanding equestrian challenge that tests the limits of both horse and rider.