I’ve been wanting to get into endurance for a little while now but have no idea about how I would go about it. I’ve always been at barns or with trainers geared more toward arena work and only just recently worked with an eventing trainer who took us on hunter paces to work with the cross country side of eventing and I found how much I enjoy going out on the trails at slightly faster paces, not just the doddling-along pace of a typical trail ride. Luckily, I fairly recently bought a horse who is more “outside the ring” minded than not and got to thinking that endurance might be a good choice for the both of us. Both of us get unbelievably bored walking, trotting and cantering in circles every day but enjoy keeping a decent pace on trail rides which unfortunately everybody who I tend to go on trail rides with don’t enjoy. Anyway, my question is how would I go about getting into endurance riding? Any help appreciated!
It would help if you let us know where you are located so we might be able to point you towards endurance organizations, or likeminded endurance riders, in your area.
In the meantime, you can enjoy this:
http://olddominionequestrianenduranc…anceHowTo.html
I wrote the above several years back because so many people were asking me about endurance, and how they could “try” it. (It now is up to 1,000 hits). I think I touched upon everything that a novice would appreciate knowing, so hopefully it will help you get a good idea of what to expect.
Have fun reading, and then come back so we can help you with the next step!
Thank you! I will definitely read it! I’m located in the Atlanta GA area.
I think you’ll love endurance! I was a show jumper and eventer and switched over 3 years ago.
First thing I would do is get familiar with http://www.aerc.org there is a ton of info on there on how to get started. I also strongly recommend downloading the “Rider Handbook”. It has everything in it regarding conditioning from 0 days to 9+ months. I read it from start to finish and still read through it every now and then. It covers everything from conditioning, selecting the right horse, tack, feeding, and more.
The other thing you should do is find a mentor. One of the things I LOVE about endurance is not having to give in to a trainer with a holier than thou attitude. Endurance gives you the freedom to make your own choices and do what you feel is best for your horse, not someone else’s paycheck. Mentors are essentially trainers or coaches, that help and train with new riders for free.
Here is a link to find a mentor in your area:
https://aerc.org/static/Regional_Mentors.aspx
Another thing you can do is look up the Calendar on AERC for a local ride coming to you. Email the ride director and explain your situation and they would most likely be willing to accommodate and be on the look out for a new rider. You can then attend the ride without a horse to get a feel for what ride camp is like, what the vetting procedures look like, what they discuss in ride meetings, and such. Endurance rides are typically run by ride managers and their volunteers. Unlike eventing, people aren’t usually paid to be there and help, they do it for the love of the horses and the sport, and to help their ride manager friend out. While you are at the ride, you can chat with other riders before or after the ride who are happy to point you in the right direction of who would be a good mentor.
Once you have some conditioning down and have checked out a ride, I would do an intro ride. Intro rides are usually 10-15 miles long and are laid back with the vetting procedures. If the vets aren’t busy, it’s good to get your horse used to the vetting process. I did an intro ride before I did my first LD and thought it was a good experience. I was also so tired and sore just from 12 miles! I laugh about it now as I do multi-day 50’s.
Good luck! Welcome to Endurance!
Oh, and I would like to say that I haven’t ridden in an arena since I started endurance! The thought of going around in circles sounds so incredibly boring to me! Hit the trails, way more fun!
Thank you! I’ll definitely be checking all of this out. I definitely think that it’s something my horse would enjoy much more than what we’re currently doing! 
I’ve owned my show jumping/eventing mare for over a decade. I don’t think she’s ever been happier than being out on the trail. She was a very hot mare to compete with and I always implemented trail rides into our training schedule. She’s retired from competition now as my trail horse.
