Endurance riding
History
Like many of the modern equestrian disciplines, endurance riding has its origins in military practice. At the turn of the 20th century, cavalry units in Europe, particularly in Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, were conducting testing rides with the object of improving standards.
Also, in 1919, the US Cavalry conducted endurance tests to assess the qualities of Arabian and Thoroughbred horses as remounts. Horses had to cover 300 miles in 5 days, in 60-mile stages, and carry weights of 200-245 lb. One of the first civilian events was the 1936 Vermont 100-Mile which led to the formation of numerous Trail Ride Associations.
The toughest American event is the 100-mile Western States Trail Ride, popularly known as the Tevis Cup Ride, which was initiated by Wendell T. Robie in 1955. Robie, who whon the Tevis Ride three times rode Arabian horses. His first and most famous was the grey stallion Bandos, by Nasr. Since then the Arabian has become the supreme endurance horse.
In the UK, distance riding also evolved around the Arabian horse. The British Arab Horse Society (A.H.S.) used endurance rides in the 1920s to demonstrate to the War Office the breedīs stamina, with a view to using Arabians in the production of cavalry remounts.
Organization
An event unique to the British A.H.S is its annual marathon run over 261/4 miles. Despite including a compulsory walk section, this event is a race.
Another A.H.S innovation is the Ride and Tie, in which two riders share a horse. The first rider travels a certain distance, thethers the horse, and then continues on foot. The second runs to where the horse is, and rides on. In turn, this rider overtakes his or her partner, ties the horse, and continues on foot. Pleasure rides are up to 25 miles, and the speed required is only 5 mph.
Competitive Trail Rides are run at a faster speed over 20-25 miles. Penalties are incurred for respiration, pulse and recovery rates that fall outside the limits.
Endurance Rides cover 50-100 miles. These are races governed by veterinary checks.
Endurance riding is the fastest growing of the equestrian disciplines, with most competitors favoring the Arabian or Arabian cross. The US remains a dominant influence in the sport, staging upwards of 500 rides each year. European and World Championships are run, under the rules of the International Equestrian Federation (FEI).
