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What is Endurance Riding in Horses?
Equestrian Resources
7 minute read
What is endurance horse riding?
Endurance riding is a competitive sport where horse and rider teams cover long distances, typically 50 to 160 kilometers (30 to 100 miles) in a single day. They traverse varied terrain, including trails and mountains, facing natural obstacles. The goal is to test the stamina and fitness of both horse and rider, with veterinary checkpoints ensuring the welfare of the horses. It's both a test of endurance and a showcase of horsemanship skills, enjoyed at recreational and competitive levels worldwide.
Here are the seven components of endurance riding, but let's first explore the history of this fascinating horse discipline that is endurance riding.
Is there a history of endurance horse racing?
I suppose movies and books glamorize the concept of flying across endless sands, capes flowing with Hidalgo or Lawrence of Arabia. Even as a young girl I would read Black Beauty over and over again and gallop my broom across the open fields. Easily, racing movie legend classics of Secretariat or
But, as an organized, timed competition it really historically originated on a 100 mile trail called the Western States Trail or TEVIS. This trail was an old pioneer series of trails established to access the routes over the Sierras from Reno, Nevada area to California, but, the discovery of Gold created quite a Trail Rush! Rough Country.
Over the years, as Endurance riding has become more popular, the Tevis 100 mile Trail was a very popular event and held annually since 1955. Eventually, other “short” 50-mile events became organized across the country as endurance riding was available.
So what does endurance mean in horse riding?
It's called "endurance horse riding" because the sport focuses on testing the endurance and stamina of both the horse and the rider over long distances, often challenging terrain, and varying environmental conditions. The term "endurance" reflects the primary goal of the sport: to showcase the ability of the horse and rider to endure and persist over extended periods of time and distance.
Here are the 7 components of endurance riding broken down by internationally decorated endurance rider Beverly Grey:
#1. To get to know the community of endurance riders and races available, sign up with these endurance rider-specific publications:
Today, there is an organization that has monthly newsletters
and online magazines that track your mileage and you and your horse earn awards and prizes, track distances, and even special recognition for the “Green Bean Horse and Rider” with 12 and 25-mile distances too. Bravo!
Here are just a few organizations to help you and your horse find events in your area, information on rules, other members, photos, articles with Endurance News Magazine and Organization rules and your membership and endurance Handbook:
The online newspaper, and magazine with current ride results, sponsor links, lots of photos and lists of rides in your area. Just does not keep a record of your achievements as above with AERC, but, it’s online and Free for Go-to Info. For all things long-distance riding visit:
#2. The Breed of Horse Commonly Used for Endurance or Distance Riding:
There are many different breeds of horses that ride endurance, including Mustangs, Morgans, Quarter horses, Thoroughbreds, Akhal-Teke, as well as Tennessee Walkers and more. I’ve known many successful Mules! But, most seem to be the “Drinkers of the Wind” Arabians or part-Arabians.
Now, go look at your horse waiting for you in your own backyard. He/she is your friend, your Buddy and ready to share all the fun and experiences at an AERC Endurance Competition that many other riders feel the same way about their horses. They all experience that special bond that exists and builds between you and your equine partner. Now go have a Blast together. I bet many folks you already know are at the event already. Yes!
#3. Training for endurance riding:
Wait, is your horse (and you) conditioned to ride an endurance event?
Of course, you have already been riding hours a day or weekends with your backyard champion. Maybe, you have already been riding all day with a group of friends and you stop for a nice lunch and all your horses chow down the grass and drink from the streams. (There, imagine you just completed a vet check!) Maybe, you have already been on camping adventures with your horse and friends or family. You have a trailer/rig
or go with your friends. Therefore, according to the AERC Organization, you are already a “Green Bean”, now let’s start keep score and get recognized with awards, T-shirts, Plaques, Prizes, Embroidered Blankets and more. So join, or join as a family, with your friends as a team, join with your horse. The AERC slogan “To Finish Is To Win!”
#4. Your 1st Event:
Good Job! You and your horse are now a registered member of AERC and you discovered there is an event scheduled in a beautiful State Park area not far from your home. Your friend and riding companion is even going to Team-up with you. Now, what does your state, or the ride destination state require to travel with horses? Your own state probably requires Registration papers, a Health certificate, Coggins test just to drive across town. Many of the Endurance Event Registration paperwork will even list the documents and the ride veterinarians will check your horse in the day before your ride distance. And, the evening before there will be a Ride Meeting to discuss Ride times, veterinary check points and rules. When you check in with the Ride Manager, you receive a bagful of
#5. The Trail:
The trail is marked with colored ribbons to follow to veterinary check points and rest stops along the trail. At these points you and your horse horse have this opportunity to eat/drink and pass that veterinary stop exam. Your horse needs to be sound and a resting heart-rate within a specific period of time. Therefore, learn how to take your horses heart rate.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions as everyone wants to help you and your horse!
#6. Crewing:
It’s always wonderful to have a crewing squad at every vet check and the Finish line. And, your crew have import jobs to be at the vet check points, have food and water ready for your and your horse, even a blanket if it is cold or raining! Important work. Every rider is always happy to see their crew at any point on the trail.
#7. The Finish:
You can see it in the Distance! Your heart rate is raised and you want to scream Go, Go, Go! Instead…. you wrap your arms around your horses’ neck as you trot across the finish, and hug a BIG Loving Thank you.
Happy Trails,
About Beverly Gray:
Beverly Gray, a Kerrits Equestrian Apparel Team Rider, is an internationally acclaimed endurance horse rider who serves as a source of inspiration and expertise for riders at every skill level. Her passion for teaching and encouraging others shines through as she mentors both novices and seasoned endurance riders, sharing her vast experience and warm demeanor within the equestrian community.
With a remarkable career spanning events like the World Equestrian Games and the World Endurance Championships, Beverly's dedication to the sport has garnered recognition from esteemed figures worldwide. Despite her extensive achievements, Beverly remains humble and accessible, always ready to assist riders as they navigate their own endurance riding journeys, ensuring they feel supported and empowered under her guidance.
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