Competitive trail riding is a perennially popular equestrian discipline. Endurance riding is even part of the annual eight-discipline FEI World Equestrian Games. Endurance riding competitions generally range from 25 to 100 miles, with events lasting up to five days. Throughout endurance riding competitions, horses are examined by judges and veterinarians to ensure their overall health and soundness.
Equestrians must carefully prepare themselves and their horses and pace themselves throughout these long-distance rides. Although the first horse (in each division) to finish an endurance ride may be tagged the winner, most long-distance riders consider any competitor who finishes such a taxing event to be a victor.
How can equestrians prepare themselves and their horses for long-distance endurance riding competition? Here are ten tips for training for long-distance trail riding competitions.
Choose a solid, strong horse with excellent conformation and stamina for long-distance riding. A well-muscled horse (perhaps even with a bit of extra poundage) is optimum for endurance competitions.
A trusted farrier and equine veterinarian are valuable allies for the equestrian endurance competitor. Participating horses need to be in peak form to compete successfully in long-distance events. Farriers and veterinarians may recommend nutritional supplements (especially electrolytes) for horses gearing up for endurance rides.
Although the horse does the footwork in a long-distance ride, the equestrian must also be fit and strong for the endurance competition. Cardiovascular fitness, core strength and overall fitness are essential for the long-distance equestrian.
In addition, the endurance rider must be prepared for the possibility of having to lead his or her horse on foot for long distances, if the mount should become injured. A fair number of endurance riders sign up as race volunteers for a few long-distance events before entering, so they can size up the challenge before participating firsthand.
Although the horse does the footwork in a long-distance ride, the equestrian must also be fit and strong for the endurance competition. Cardiovascular fitness, core strength and overall fitness are essential for the long-distance equestrian.
In addition, the endurance rider must be prepared for the possibility of having to lead his or her horse on foot for long distances, if the mount should become injured.
A fair number of endurance riders sign up as race volunteers for a few long-distance events before entering, so they can size up the challenge before participating firsthand.