Endurance riding is a competition on horseback involving a race on trails from fifty to one-hundred-fifty miles. A race can take anywhere from one to three days and will often take you across a wide variety of landscapes which can require endurance from both you and your horse.
Your horse will be inspected by judges and veterinarians both before and after the ride. The wellbeing of both the horse and rider is the top priority.
The key to winning an endurance ride is to maintain a steady pace, often at a trot.
What is the goal of endurance riding?
When competing in an endurance ride, many riders are happy to simply finish the race with their horse being healthy and sound. The motto for most riders is “if you finish, you win”.
To be among the finishers you will need to ensure your horse (and yourself!) are fit and conditioned enough to cover the long distance comfortably.
As with any race, the first to cross the finish line wins the race.
What will you need for endurance riding?
Unless a horse is one of the extremely heavy breeds, then it is perfectly suitable to compete in endurance riding. Horses like draft crosses, cobs, and ponies in general find it a little hard to last the distance. However, it is possible that they can be suitable as long as you do not push them too fast
Arabian horses are famous as being the best suited breed for endurance riding.
For endurance riding, your most important piece of equipment is your saddle. For a beginner, it’s fine to use whatever saddle gives comfort to both the rider and the horse. But if you are planning to stay with this sport, using a special saddle might be a better option. A custom endurance saddle, which are very light and comfortable, or even a trail saddle may be better for you and your horse.
You will need to have a thick saddle blanket or pad, a girth, and having an extra of each is a good idea just in case they get soiled or wet. This way you can change them out.
Since there aren’t any rules or which kind of bit or bridle that you can have, a synthetic bridle is the simplest to clean. Using a bit-less bridle, if your horse is trained to accept your aids with one of these, may be more comfortable for your horse during the hours on the trail.
When you come to a veterinarian stop you can either remove the bridle or you can use a lead rope and halter over the top of the bridle.
Make sure to bring rain sheets, buckets, coolers, and sponges so that you can keep your horse cool if it gets hot out or blankets if you are riding in colder weather to be able to keep your horse’s working muscles from getting too chilled.
You will also need to bring sweat scrapers and brushes to be able to remove the mud and dried sweat from your horse.
You will need to bring supplements, grain, and hay to make sure that you keep your horse fed during stops. Most riders will bring “wet beet pulp” because it gives the horse energy, and it also helps the horse to get more water into their system.
Dehydration is a grave danger to your horse when they are sweating a lot. Water and electrolytes are extremely important. Make sure to bring food and water for yourself as well to prevent dehydration.
Some important advice for you is to dress in layers. It will more than likely be pretty cool in the morning while getting extremely warm in the afternoon.
If the race is long enough that you will be riding in the dark, be sure to pack a headlamp.
If you are unsure whether the trail will be soft the entire way, you might want to bring along hoof protection. Hoof boots are a great choice or have your horse shod and add studs or caulks if you think there is a possibility of a slick or rocky ride.
What should you expect on your first endurance ride?
Normally, riders will get to the campsite the night before the race since it usually starts really early in the morning. When you arrive at the site, make sure that your horse is comfortable. Go to the entry desk to get your riding package which will contain your score sheet and your number along with other information you will need.
Next, you will walk your horse over to the judges and veterinarians for the horse’s complete check-up. They will be writing down information such as hydration and TPRs (temperature, pulse & respiration).
They will then ask you to go and trot your horse around on a lead so they can examine the animal’s attitude and soundness.
Once your horse has had the veterinarian check then you will bed down. Portable stalls and picket lines are the usual ways that your horse will be contained for the night. Make sure to feed your horse and give him plenty of electrolyte solution and water before bed.
When it’s time to go in the morning, starting out will be on a trail. All of the riders will start at the same time. A mass start can be a little exciting to the horse, so some riders prefer to wait until the mass number of riders has already started.
During the ride be sure to give your horse every chance to eat and drink. there will be veterinarian checks all along the way to ensure that your horse is sound and healthy. At the end of the race, your horse will be completely examined once again.
Prizes and awards will be handed out when most of the riders/horses have completed the race.
Getting your horse ready for the endurance ride
If your horse is unfit or overweight you will need to start to condition the horse about twelve weeks before the race.
Start out by riding five days a week for five miles each day at about five mph. Slowly increase your distance, speed, and time.
If this is your first endurance ride you might want to try a few mileage rides or even some competitive trail rides. this will help you to learn how to pace your horse, ride over different terrains and it helps to teach your horse how to be calm around vehicles and highways.
Getting yourself ready for the endurance ride
Endurance riding requires a high level of fitness from both you and your horse. To prepare yourself for endurance riding, try some cardio-building exercises. Make sure to eat a proper diet and get plenty of rest.
Ensure that you are comfortably dressed for the ride and pack an extra change of clothes. You should have a support crew to help you to take care of your horse and to look after you during the endurance ride.
Conclusion
An endurance ride can be an extremely challenging race but also lots of fun. For your first endurance race, your only goal should be to finish the race with both you and the horse healthy. Even a fifty-mile endurance ride is a great achievement regardless of what place you finish in, be proud of yourself.