Endurance Horseback
Riding
Endurance horse riding is an internationally recognised equestrian discipline focused on testing the stamina, fitness, and partnership between horse and rider over long-distance courses. Competitions range from shorter introductory distances (20km – 40km) to internationally regulated events (80km, 120km, and 160km), completed within specified time limits.
The sport emphasizes strategic pace management, conditioning, horsemanship, and responsible care of the horse, with mandatory veterinary inspections throughout the ride to ensure the horse’s welfare and fitness to continue. Success in endurance is achieved not only by speed, but by completing the course with a sound, healthy horse, demonstrating excellent training, preparation, and endurance capability.
Premier Equestrian Club’s heritage is deeply rooted in the discipline of endurance riding. If you are looking to develop true horsemanship, enjoy the outdoors, and experience meaningful family time, endurance is the ideal discipline for you. It is one of the few equestrian sports that can be enjoyed and participated in by the entire family.
Endurance riding can be described as a marathon for both horse and rider. It requires time, patience, discipline, dedication, and perseverance to prepare a horse for long-distance competition and to complete an event.
If these are values you would like your child to learn from a young age, you are in the right place. With its emphasis on resilience, responsibility, and partnership, endurance riding builds valuable life skills while creating unforgettable memories.
Whether you are seeking family adventure, a deeper connection with horses, or time spent exploring the beauty of our country, endurance riding offers an exceptional and rewarding experience for all ages.
How does the sport work?
Endurance horse riding is managed by the Endurance Ride Association of South Africa (ERASA). You need to belong to a club (paid-up member) and be registered with the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF) in order to participate in endurance ride events.
All upcoming rides are listed on the ERASA website: www.erasa.co.za.
It is recommended that you enter online the week before the ride. You will need a horse, with a microchip, that has an endurance ride passport and all inoculations must be up to date.
This horse needs to go through a veterinarian inspection at the ride venue, the day before the ride. To reduce your stress levels and that of the horse and your entire family. Take the Friday off work, box the horse and go focus on your ride. If you start to ride, it is recommended to team up with someone who has already completed several endurance rides. At the ride venue, you will need to find the registration station. If you ride competitively you will have to weigh in with your riding gear and saddle. Once the registration is done, the horse needs to go through a vet check. If the vet check is passed you are good to go for the next day. It is recommended to saddle your horse and take them out for a short distance. This will give you the opportunity to ensure your tack and horse is ready. Most rides start very early and there is nothing more frustrating than trying to sort your gear in the dark. Somewhere after the vet check, there will be a ride briefing. Attend this to make sure you follow the correct colour routes and track. If you start with a new horse, you will need to complete a novice phase. This needs to be done in 24- month period. An endurance horse needs to be at least 5 years old for rides up to and including 99 km. At this age the ligaments and bone structure of the horse have properly settled.
Novice Horses and Progression:
A horse that is new to endurance is referred to as a novice horse. During competitions, novice horses are identified by the letter “N” marked on the hindquarters.
To complete the novice phase, a horse must successfully finish:
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Two x 40 km rides, and
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Two x 80 km rides
all at an average speed not exceeding 16 km/h.
Once the novice requirements are completed, the horse may progress to distances of up to 99 km, using what is known as the step-ladder method.
What is the Step-Ladder?
A step-ladder ride is a non-competitive format allowing the rider to withdraw the horse after any completed leg, while still retaining the distance completed. This approach assists with gradual conditioning and horse welfare.
What is a “Leg”?
Endurance rides are divided into sections, referred to as legs or laps, designed to ensure the wellbeing and safety of the horse.
At the end of each leg, the horse must pass a veterinary inspection. The veterinarian assesses heart rate, movement, hydration, and overall condition. Only once the horse is declared fit may it continue to the next leg.
Standard ride distances include:
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40 km
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80 km
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120 km
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160 km
The number of legs depends on the total ride distance. Longer distances consist of additional legs. Each leg is colour-coded to guide riders along the correct route—for example, in an 80 km ride with three legs, the first may be marked in green or blue, the second in yellow, and the final leg in red.
What Do I Need?
Riders must have an official ERASA rider number and bib, which is issued and ordered through your endurance club upon registration.
Standard riding attire and a safety-approved helmet are compulsory. Practical footwear is advised, as riders may need to dismount and walk or jog alongside their horse during a ride.
Essential equipment includes:
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A suitable, fit horse
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A saddle – Endurance safety stirrups are compulsory
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A bridle (plastic-coated endurance bridles are recommended due to sweat and water exposure)
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A breastplate or running martingale is optional for stability and control assistance.
How Should I Prepare My Horse?
Training days are hosted yearly by the Gauteng Union for new riders, where all essentials are thoroughly discussed and explained.
Preparation for endurance follows the same principles as training for a human long-distance athlete: slow, steady conditioning. Warm-up and cool-down routines are important during every session, along with regular stretching to maintain suppleness. Work both sides of the horse equally to ensure balance and even muscle development.
Avoid overtraining. Rest days are essential for muscle recovery and help prevent injury. Training should be progressive.
Nutrition plays a major role. Appropriate feeding, hydration, and hoof care are critical—the saying “no foot, no horse” applies strongly in endurance. Shoes should ideally be fitted 10 days prior to an event to allow hooves to settle, but consult your local farrier for advice.
Just like human athletes, endurance horses may benefit from professional support such as physiotherapy, chiropractic care, or acupuncture when required.
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