About Endurance Riding

The sport of endurance riding is the fastest growing equestrian sport in the world.

Endurance riding is the combination of one horse and one rider competing over a designated course, in the shortest time possible, with the emphasis on horse welfare. You must meet the vet’s assessment before, he either allows you to proceed or congratulates you on completion.

The motto of endurance riding is “To complete is to win”, the horse’s welfare is always the “number one” priority. While completing the course in the fastest possible time is a consideration, maintaining the horse in a sound, fit-to-continue condition that displays no signs of physical stress, is the real objective.

The winner of any endurance ride is the horse and rider combination that covers the ride distance in the fastest time while still fulfilling the above criteria. The award for Best Conditioned Horse is an honour coveted by all, and is presented to the pair (horse and rider) who has covered the ride in the competitive time and also displayed a superior state of physical conditioning and preparation.

To develop an endurance horse, the rider must know the nutritional requirements of a high performance horse, the amount of training involved to compete successfully and know how to manage the horses health and welfare during a ride.