Endurance

The sport of endurance riding involves horse and rider tackling long-distances at a set speed in a competitive environment. The rides vary in length and terrain, which allows a wide range of horse types and riding abilities to take part.

Horses have to pass vet checks during and at the end of rides to ensuring their welfare is at the heart of the sport. Vets will only allow horses to continue or pass a horse at the end of the ride if they are declared “fit to continue”. If the vet is not happy with any horse’s condition, they can prevent them from continuing. A rider whose horse does not recover sufficiently in a set time at the end of an endurance ride will be eliminated. The theory at higher levels is the fitter the horse, the quicker they recover and the more advantage they can gain in the vet checks.

Endurance GB, is the governing body for the sport of endurance riding in the UK. They organise rides for all levels of rider across the country, accessing and utilising ancient routes and rights of way.

Sadly the international level of the sport has been tarnished by the actions of some riders, who appear to have a “win at all costs” mentality, rather than putting their horse’s welfare first. A number of horses have died as a result. The use of prohibited substances in the sport is another cause of concern with high levels of positive tests.

The FEI has taken action to tighten up the rules around the sport, but there is still considerable concern surrounding competitive endurance riding at the highest level, particularly in the Middle East.