Endurance riding and competitive trail riding: how do they compare?

By Irene van der Kloet

Equestrian sports know many different disciplines, with show jumping, dressage and horse racing probably the best known worldwide. With the weather warming up, opportunities for outdoor riding open, which opens the door for endurance riding and competitive trail riding (CTR). What are these disciplines, and how do they compare? Both endurance and CTR are long-distance rides with distances ranging between 25 and 100 miles per day, depending on the level of training and rider preference. A veterinarian examines each horse before, during, and after the ride for overall health and soundness. If a horse does not pass the check, the combination cannot start, proceed or finish. The rides typically occur in rural areas on trails, through fields (with the owner’s permission) and along roads if the ditches are wide enough. Safety is an essential feature on the trails, and traffic is avoided as much as possible. After completion, the horse’s heartbeat (“pulse”) needs to be back to a “normal” level within 30 minutes of completion. This means that the rider who finishes first may not win the race if the horse’s pulse does not reach the required level or other concerns about the horse’s health occur. Overall, those are the similarities between the two sports, and there are some differences. In endurance, riders in the same distance start all at the same time. They have ten minutes to leave the camp from the start time; some leave right at start time, others wait a few minutes not to give the horse his way in wanting to follow his buddies at high speed. This is a race: the first to arrive has the best chance to win. In CTR, riders are started at intervals and get a set arrival time, which means they need to pace themselves along the ride, although there is a 15-minute grace from the designated arrival time. The time it takes to ride the trail depends on the distance and the level entered (Novice, Intermediate or Open Division). Though it is essential to know exactly what the horse can do in both disciplines, CTR requires more pacing from the rider to ensure they arrive at the preset finishing time. A GPS to monitor progress along the trail is helpful in that respect. In both disciplines, the rider can choose which distance or level to enter.

Unlike other equestrian disciplines, a rider doesn’t need to pass specific tests to enter at a certain distance, though it is recommended to start low and work the way up, both for the benefit of horse and rider. Both disciplines are competitive in a kind and welcoming way, where newcomers are supported by fellow, more experienced riders. Most rides offer an introductory ride of approximately 15 miles for newcomers to test “the waters.” Particular tack is not needed. Alberta has both an endurance club and a competitive trail club. For more information, please check www.enduranceridersofalberta.com or www.trailriding.ca.