If you are hoping to get started in Endurance, the following information may help. Members are only too happy to answer any questions you may have, so if your query is not covered here, please get in touch by filling in the contact form on our Contact Us page.
Endurance Riding – Some Introductory Information
What is Endurance?
It's one of the fastest growing equestrian Sports in the UK.
Who's it run by?
It's run by an organisation called “Endurance GB”. There is a Management Committee, and an
Office which is based in Stoneleigh.
However it is the local Groups who organise the rides both at National and Local level.
What sort of distance are these rides?
Anything from 10 to 100 miles!
What type of rides could I do?
There are basically 3 different types of rides available:
1. Pleasure Rides ( PRs) aka Fun, Training or Social rides.
These are often run by the local group for pleasure or training purposes but they can also be one of
the classes in a national Ride.
Distances would range from 5 to 20 miles
2. Graded Endurance Rides (GER)
For these your horse would need to be registered with the society(EGB) and have a Log Book
Ride distances from 20 miles to 50 miles (or more). Sometimes there will be a greater mileage over
two days.
Your horse would need to be presented to a vet both before starting and after finishing. There are
heart rate and speed parameters which would result in a Grade (1,2 ,3,4) or simply a „Completion‟.
National points can be gained from these rides.
3. Competitive Endurance Rides (CER)
These are longer distances (from 50miles upwards). Vetting is stricter than with GERs and there would
be vet holds on route. Unlike GERs there are placing‟s to determine which colour rosette! National
points are also awarded.
Do I have to have an Arab?
No! Definitely not! Any fit and sound horse can compete!
What about specialised tack?
Again no! You can ride in any well fitting saddle. Numnahs and girths need to be clean and not rub
your horse - just like in any other equestrian sport. There are many saddles designed for Endurance
which can benefit both you and your horse, especially over longer distances. Special stirrups can
also help and non leather bridles etc are easier to maintain and there are some lovely colours
available!!
Can I compete my horse barefoot?
Yes – you know your own horse! All horses are presented to the farrier before starting a GER or CER
so as long as their feet are OK on the day shod or unshod you will be able to start.
What sort of levels are there for Riders and Horses?
3 basic levels for competition for which there are ways to progress:
Novice, Open and finally Advanced.
How can I find out more?
You can visit the De Cymru Endurance GB website www.egbdecymru.co.uk.......... or contact....01495 272267.....
The Group is a new Group for South Wales covering the M4 corridor and to the north and south of
it. The Group will be running Rides and other Activities (Social , training and information events
during 2009).
If you want to have a taste of endurance you can join as an Associate member (see the website for
form and details). The group aim to be friendly and welcoming especially to new members because
we recognise there's a lot to find out about and a lot of people to get to know!
The group will also be offering a range of annual awards and trophies for local members so who
knows what you may achieve!
HOW DO I JOIN IN?
Information from Endurance GB Website.
Non members are welcome to come and see our Rides, ask questions and find out about our sport. If they wish to become more involved then they will be very welcome to help at our Rides, for details please see our Volunteers page.
If you decide to join EGB as a full member, then you can join online OR you can download a membership form, complete it and send it to the EGB office at Stoneleigh Park with a SAE.
By Post to the Registered Office:
Endurance GB
Abbey Park,
Kenilworth,
Warwickshire,
CV8 2RP