Endurance
| Endurance |
 Endurance is a competition against the clock where the speed and endurance of a horse is put the test but where riders are also challenged with regards to effective use of pace and thorough knowledge of their horses and cross country. Indeed, although the riders are timed, the emphasis is on finishing in good condition rather than coming first. Endurance is a genuine test of horsemanship which began as a necessity rather than a sport. Horseback riding was the main form of transportation for centuries and reliable horses that could travel long distances while remaining healthy and fit were much sought after. Since necessity was replaced by many other means of transportation, has thrived as a sport.
In it's 24th year with the FEI – Endurance became as FEI Discipline in 1982 – Endurance has come to be the federation's fastest growing discipline. In 1982, there were four international riders. This number slowly increased to an average of 18 riders per year up until 1998 when the World Championships were held in the United Arab Emirates. Thanks to the sponsorship of the UAE National federation, 47 NFs came from all over the world to compete. This huge attendance proved to be the catalyst for an amazing growth in participation. This tendency was confirmed in 2005, when the 353 international competitions made Endurance second only to Jumping and Eventing. The area with the biggest growth being South America. Modern Competitions consist of a number of sections called phases. At the end of each phase, in principle at least every 40km, there is a compulsory halt for veterinary inspection, usually referred to as a vetgate. Riders are free to choose their own pace between the start and the finish of the competition. They may lead or follow their horses, but must be mounted crossing the starting line and the finish line. Each horse, which is thorough examined before it is allowed to start the ride, must be presented for inspection within a set time of reaching each vetgate. The aim of the check is to determine whether the horse is fit to continue the ride. A final veterinary inspection occurs at the end of all riders to ensure that horses completing the ride are not overly fatigued or lame. Excessive fatigue, signs of lameness and other indications of problems are ground s for elimination. It can take years for a combination to be ready to complete in a 160 km ride. Endurance requires extensive preparation and a deep knowledge and understanding between horse and rider. In this way the well being of the horse can be maintained at all times. The minimum distance for a one day competition is between 40 and 160 km depending on the type of competitions of more than one day, the minimum average distance for each day is 40 – 79 km for FEI* rides ,80 km to 119 km for FEI 2* and 120 km or more for FEI 3* events. For a championship FEI 4* one-day competition, is usually 160 km and the winning riding time about ten to twelve hours. For more information on Endurance, don't hesitate to contact: The Endurance Ride Association of South Africa This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it Tel : 051 448 2428 |
