Endurance

Endurance riding is a test of horse and rider fitness over varied terrain and distance whilst safeguarding the welfare of the horse.

A sport that suits everybody and every horse. A way to set your own challenges, be it your first pleasure ride or international championship, endurance caters to all interests and abilities. Give it a go and you might be surprised. Find fellow riders happy to help and share their experience with you, so that a fun-filled horsey day out is guaranteed. What better way to explore the beautiful countryside than with your 4-legged best-friend along a safe and well-marked route?!

Endurance or long-distance riding is many things to many people. In essence, it is riding in partnership with your horse or pony over long distances. A long distance is whatever it is to each individual. It could be as short as 5km, if you are a small child on a lead rein, or 160km if you are International standard, and everything in between.

As well as the enjoyment of being able to get out and explore new areas of the countryside with your horse, with all the fantastic mental health and overall fitness benefits this brings, there has never been a better time to get out there and begin a new adventure with your horse!

By Dean Moon

(Article reproduced from the RMHA website with permission)

When many people think of the Rocky Mountain Horse the first thing that comes to mind is the natural beauty of the horse. The numerous solid body colors found in the breed, the long flowing mane and tail captures the eye. The pleasure and comfort of the four beat natural gait of a Rocky brings a new experience in the saddle to many riders. Soon after their introduction to the Rocky, people become spellbound with the horse’s disposition and attraction to humans. Many other attributes will become apparent as a new owner enjoys the horse.

The trail rider quickly recognizes the endurance of the Rocky. Long trail rides in rough country for most of these horses is like a walk in the park. If you and your Rocky enjoy a long fast ride, you may wonder how you would do participating in the competitive sport of endurance riding. If you love trail riding and are competitive, it is something you might consider. There is nothing like the thrill of the finish line, even if you don’t place first.

In competitive endurance riding you will encounter various breeds, but the sport has long been dominated by the Arabians. As Rocky Mountain Horses have begun entering the sport they have not only shown they can be successful but could, over time, challenge the dominant breeds. Those who have been members of the RMHA for a few years recognize the name Nuncio, the famed stallion of Rea Swan. Nuncio was not only a show Stallion that won the 1994 and 1995 Master Stallion Conformation Championships but also competed in numerous trail and endurance rides, including the annual one-hundred-mile Rockcastle Saddle Club Trail Ride.

To become one of the growing number of Rocky Mountain Horse owners who love the trail and the excitement of competing, join me in my experience and discover the enjoyment and learn a little of how to become involved.

So the answer to the question I asked at the beginning of this article is yes, Rocky Mountain Horses excel in competition, and you and your horse can have fun in endurance riding. Remember, “to finish is to win”. That to me is being successful at endurance riding on my Rocky.