Endurance horse riding

Endurance horse riding

Endurance riding became a competitive sport in the 1950s and it was in the 1960s that the discipline was brought to Europe. In 1982 the FEI approved Endurance Riding as an official discipline and gradually the number of rides increased from four to eighteen.  In 1998, the World Championships were held in the United Arab Emirates. Since the number of races only increased.





What is Endurance riding ?

From its beginnings as a necessity, Endurance Riding is now a sporting discipline. As horses used to be the main form of transportation, it was only natural to seek a horse that was fit and healthy and had the predisposition to long distances. In modern day competition, the emphasis is placed on the horse finishing in good condition, rather than who finishes first. This explains the stringent rules with regards to veterinary checks through out the race.
Modern competitions consist of a number of sections known as ‘phases’. At the end of each phase, there is a compulsory halt for veterinary inspection. Each horse, which is thoroughly examined before it is allowed to start the ride, must be presented for inspection within a set time of reaching each vetgate. The time spent at each vetgate prior to inspection by the vets is counted as part of the overall competition time and the aim is to determine whether the horse is fit to continue the ride. Any excessive over-riding of a tired horse or any other action that can be defined as cruelty is penalised by disqualification.
It can take years for a combination to be ready to compete in a 160 km ride. Endurance requires extensive preparation and a deep knowledge and understanding between horse and rider, In this way, the wellbeing of the horse can be maintained at all times.

The Support Crew
A vital part of Endurance riding is the support crew. Riders are assisted by a team of helpers who meet them several times over the ride, bringing bottles of water to pour over the horse to cool it down, as well as a drink for the rider. Crews also have spare equipment, in case something breaks down or needs replacing.

Main Competitions

• The World Equestrian Games
• World Championships
• Continental Championships

Endurance became a recognized FEI discipline in 1982, and the international organization has since set down rules with the welfare of the horse as top priority. In the United States, endurance rides are sanctioned by the FEI, the AERC, or both but never the FEI alone. When both the FEI and AERC sanction a ride, the FEI rules prevail.

Two well-known American 100-mile (160 km) endurance rides are The Western States Trail Ride, commonly known as the Tevis Cup, held in California, and the Old Dominion ride, held in Virginia. Additionally, the top riders and horses compete at the World Equestrian Games, the Endurance World Championships, and the European Endurance Championships.
One-day international competitions are 40-160 km. Multi-day competitions are longer but have daily distance limits. Those that are FEI recognized and are broken into the following categories:

• CEI * (one star): minimum average distance each day is 40-79 km
• CEI **: 80-119 km minimum average distance each day
• CEI ***: 120+ km minimum average distance each day
• CEI ****: usually 160 km, with the winners completing in 10-12 hours

Note: CEI is the notation that the competition is an FEI-approved international competition.
When first recognized by the FEI, there were only four international competitions. This grew to an average of 18 rides per year by 1998, when the first World Championships were held in the United Arab Emirates. The World Championships provided a huge boost to the sport, and, by 2005, there were 353 international competitions, second to only eventing and show jumping. Due to the huge increase in international competition, endurance is growing quite rapidly worldwide.