Welcome new riders to the world of endurance. We are excited to have you! The motto of Endurance is "to finish is to win". You might see a 50 mile rider out there cantering along at the front of the pack hoping to win, or a rider cruising along walk trot going for a back of the pack finish. There are different ways to enjoy the sport and you choose what you and your horse enjoy.
Endurance is a family friendly sport and we love to see juniors out there riding! You can ride any breed of horse and in any style of tack, no judgement. Use what you and your horse are comfortable in. The sports highest mileage rider likes to ride in cutoff jean shorts and a white tank top. I don't understand how that's comfortable, but you do you! English, western, it's all good. We do recommend using a bridle that does not have a tight noseband so your horse can comfortably drink or eat on the trail.
So let's talk about how this works. To come to the ride you first want to fill out the entry form. You can do this online or print it out and mail it in. Please send payment with your entry. Entry is on here: Hunt Country Hustle Then take your horse out for a trail ride to build fitness. You want your horse to be comfortable doing 5-10 miles at the same speed you plan on doing the ride. Practice a trot out, jogging in a straight line with your horse beside you. It's important that your horse is comfortable with a vet touching and walking around them. Then it's time to pack. Bring tack, comfortable riding clothes and layers with a rain jacket. You can camp out or haul over and vet in the morning of the ride. If hauling in, it's good to have feed for your horse, like hay and mash. Bring drinking water and snacks for yourself, plus anything else you would want for a long day ride.
⧫ Here's an example of the ride for riders coming to camp overnight. You arrive at camp during the day on Friday. You park your rig, it's easy pull through parking and we are happy to help, get your horse settled in. You will need to bring a containment system for your horse or tie them to the trailer. Provide them with hay and water. Then head over to the ride management area at the center of the camp and check in. The ride secretary will give you your vet card and goodie bag. Please ask any questions or let them know if you need help. You are then welcome to pre-ride your horse if wanted to stretch their legs. Vet in will start around 3pm. You will take your horse to the vetting area and there may be a line. The vet will look your horse over and you will trot out and back in a straight line. Then a volunteer will help put your entry number on your horses butt. You're ready to go now. Take your horse back to your trailer and relax. Hang out and make new friends. Come back to the ride management area around 6pm for dinner and stay for the ride meeting after. There will be a new riders briefing after the meeting. Take your horse for a hand walk to stretch their legs again, then time for bed. You have a big day tomorrow!
⧫ Here's an example of the ride for riders hauling in. Drive your car over on Friday and find a small car size parking spot. Head over to the ride management area at the center of camp to check in with the ride secretary. Enjoy dinner at 6pm and the ride meeting at 6:30pm. Stay for the new riders briefing, ask all your questions, and head home for a good nights sleep. It's not mandatory to come to the ride meeting but it's strongly advised. The morning of the ride haul over and find a spot to park. I would recommend arriving around 7:15am - 7:45am. You are welcome to arrive earlier. Try to avoid arriving at 7am when the 50's are starting. After parking and getting settled head over to the vetting area to vet your horse in. The vet will do a brief exam and you will trot your horse out in a straight line and back again. Get your entry number on and head back to the trailer to tack up.
⧫ You;re ready for the start: Start time is between 9am and 9:30am. You must check in the with the volunteer at the start line before the ride. You can leave your horse at the trailer and walk over before the start if wanted or have a family member or crew check in for you. This is not a race, you are welcome to start at a walk or trot. Please be considerate of the riders around you and if someone is having problems slow down or stop. Head out on your 15 mile loop. You choose the pace, there is not a minimum or maximum time limit but we request that you complete within 6 hrs which can be done at a walk. Around half way through there will be a hospitality stop with water troughs, hay and snacks. Please tell the volunteer if you are having a problem and need help. There is a trailer available to pick you up in an emergency. Finish your loop which will bring you into camp at the in timer. Dismount and hand them your vet card. They will write down your in time. Head back to your trailer to untack, then over to the vet for your finish check. After vetting out it's official, you completed your first into ride, congratulations!
Some Tips for Your First Ride:
Be sure you understand how trails are marked and the color of the loop. Some people write it down and carry a map with them.
Start time is the same for everyone, but you can wait till the fast starters leave.
Riding with another horse can be fun for everyone, if the horses travel easily together. Pay extra attention to trail markers when talking with another rider!
If you do get off trail, retrace your steps to the last marker.
Pull off the trail to get out of a bad situation with other horses. Competitive or upset horses waste the energy they may need later in the ride.
Let other riders know when you want to pass them and keep yourself safe by not crowding or tailgating.
Come in to veterinary holds slowly to calm the horse and slow the heart rate. You may get off and walk on foot any time you want.
Taking Care of Your Horse and Yourself:
Check the other articles available, and the AERC Rider’s Handbook, to learn about how to care for your horse during and after a ride. Here are a couple of tips to get you started:
Learn to take a pulse at home. Ask your veterinarian or an experienced rider to teach you.
If something is wrong, stop and analyze. If you’re on the trail:
-Send word with passing rider.
-Your horse doesn’t want to move? Don’t! Get help from a veterinarian.
-Carry a cell phone if practical, and have the necessary numbers.
-Make sure the messenger has your name and the horse number/letter to give to ride management.
In camp:
-Use water to cool a hot horse.
-EDPP: Is your horse eating, drinking, peeing and pooping normally? If not, talk to the veterinarian.
-Take care of yourself so you can take care of your horse!
Post-ride:
-Keep an eye on your horse, making sure it has plenty to eat and drink.
-Don’t travel if you have concerns about your horse’s health. Find a veterinarian.
Important trail etiquette: Do not tailgate other horses! This is dangerous for everyone. If you see someone with a red ribbon in their horses tail stay clear, the horse may kick. Use a red ribbon if your horse kicks. When you come up to other riders ask if you can pass them or if there's room, call out passing on the right (or left). If it's a narrow trail and someone wants to pass, please pull over in a safe area. Please slow down to pass at a walk or trot. If riders are having issues with their horse please slow down. If you see a rider stopped, call and and ask if they're ok. If you come up to other riders and would like to follow them or join their group, ask. If you do join them go their pace or separate if their pace does not work for you. If you have problems on trail or need help let other riders know. If they can't help you they can take a message on to the volunteers or ride staff. If you have an emergency call ride management. The number will be listed on your map which will be available before the ride for you to print or save to your phone. If you come up to other riders at a water area please wait while they are drinking and join when there is room. If someone comes up to the water area behind you please don't leave while their horse is drinking. Keeping your horse well hydrated is very important and if the horses leave while one is drinking generally they will stop drinking.
Important AERC rules: Horses must be sound and in good health to start. Juniors must have an adult ride sponsor that accompanies them at all times on the trail. Juniors must wear a helmet. There is a zero tolerance drug policy. You may not ace your horse. Any drug usage before or during the ride is not allowed. This includes things like previcox, bute, some supplements, pmef and other things. Please check below for the full policy and we're happy to answer questions. Equines must be 48 months or older to do an intro ride. An intro is not a race. There are no placings, points or awards besides your completion award. You are responsible for the behavior of yourself, your equine and your crew.
Where to learn more about endurance:
www.aerc.org Lots of information available under Education.
Drug Policy: https://aerc.org/compete/aerc-drug-policy/
South Eastern Endurance Riders: https://www.southeastenduranceriders.org/