29 March 2002
Endurance GB’s Maggie Maguire explains how the new rules will work during 2002
With the arrival of Endurance GB on 1 January, a new era dawned for endurance: one society, one set of rules.
According to Endurance GB’s rides committee member, Maggie Maguire, the nine-strong committee have tried to retain the best elements of each society by combining the different types of rides to try and keep all devotees happy.
Summary of changes
- There is now a universal registration and progression for both horse and rider through the sport.
- A computerised points system for all graded and endurance rides enables horses to accumulate points throughout their careers.
- New levels – novice, intermediate and advanced – have been introduced to match those from other disciplines, making endurance easier to understand.
- Endurance rides will conform to FEI rules, where possible, so riders face the same challenges at home as abroad. This includes listing rides in kms.
- There will be four types of ride; pleasure rides, set speed rides (these replace the former bronze buckle and silver stirrup classes), graded rides of more than 30km and race rides.
- Pulse parameters have been toughened up for endurance rides, but speed and pulse parameters have been made easier for graded rides.
- Extra qualifiers have been introduced to ensure horse and rider have sufficient experience before they progress.
- All non-race rides over 30 miles will be graded and every horse’s results will be registered on a computerised system at Stoneleigh, making everyone eligible for trophies.
What’s in and what’s out
Out go:
- The Ridgway Test or Cardiac Recovery Index
- Bronze buckle events and competitive trail rides
- Long whips. Short sticks only are allowed. Spurs are still banned.
In comes:
- A halfway hold at all rides over 35 miles.
- Mobile phones, for use only in emergencies
- Protective boots may at all competitions. Hoof boots may be allowed.
- A crew is compulsory for rides over 40 miles and strongly advised for all rides.
