Diving into Disciplines: Endurance

Endurance, the marathon of equestrian sports, tests horse and rider pairs in long-distance races. The need for long-distance rides has existed since the domestication of the horse. As an organized activity, Endurance was first developed in the United States. In 1913 it was held as an organized sport for the first time, with seven riders on Morgans and Arabians riding 154 miles in 31 hours.

In Endurance races, the goal is simple - the first horse and rider pair to cross the finish line are the winners. Horses must pass a series of veterinary checks during the race - including one after they cross the finish line - to make sure they are in good health and fit enough to continue. If a horse does not pass a vet check and  is determined to be unfit to carry on for the rest of the race, they are retired from the competition. Many competitors see passing all veterinary checks as a win even if they were not the first to cross the finish line.

Endurance rides are either 50 or 100 miles long, with shorter distances offered for new riders or young horses. There are also multi-day rides which can cover more than 100 miles. Rides can take place over a variety of terrain and altitude, so it is important that the rider knows their horse and how best to pace them. Riders are given a course map before the race that shows the route, veterinary check/hold areas, and big natural obstacles such as water crossings or steep hills.

Endurance competitions are held across the United States and the world. Riders can compete with any breed of horse, but Arabian horses are a popular choice for their stamina and natural endurance abilities.

One of the most famous Endurance races in America is the Tevis Cup. It was first ridden in 1955 when a group of riders followed the historic Western States Trail from Lake Tahoe, across the Sierra Nevada Range, and finally to Auburn in under 24 hours. It is the most challenging 100-mile ride in the world because of its harsh terrain, high altitude, and hot temperatures.

While there are organized Endurance events to participate in, many equestrians simply enjoy long-distance rides with their equine friends. With so many trail systems across the world, there are plenty of options for riders and their horses to enjoy quiet time out in nature with friends. Whether riding for 1 hour or 10 hours, training your horses for endurance rides is also a great way to form a deep bond and trust with your equine friend.

Breyer has immortalized a handful of Endurance horses over the years. One such champion is LV Integrity +/, whose Breyer portrait model was created on the Shagya Arabian mold (#740) sculpted by Brigitte Eberl. Integrity’s career spanned over two decades. He earned numerous American Endurance Riding Conference (AERC) awards and achievements, as well as honors from the Arabian Horse Association.

Who is your favorite Endurance horse that Breyer has created over the years?