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The Endurance Horse

Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding

The Endurance Horse
Ann Hyland, J. A. Allen & Company Limited, Great Britain.
Reprinted 1993

This 275 page British book on endurance riding covers three topics; endurance feats in history, the modern sport of endurance riding and a description of many of the word�s endurance riding organizations.

Beginning as far back as the ninth century BC, the amazing endurance feats of horses are described up to the more recent accomplishment of two riders who traveled 21000 km on the same two Arabian stallions. Not being a fan of ancient history, I found some of this section hard going. Be sure though, there is plenty here that makes one feel strongly for the horses that went through so much in the name of war. After reading the stories of epic journeys under difficult conditions, I felt as though my horses live in the lap of luxury.

The section on the modern sport of endurance riding offers practical information to those wishing to compete. It is a general approach to a large subject that could disappoint those who are looking for more detailed information. The basics are covered here on selecting a horse, shoeing, conditioning and health concerns.

There is something new here though. The author has tackled a subject that I have never seen before in a book on distance riding. She titles the chapter �The Moral Issue,� and starts with, "Is it right to push our endurance horses to better and faster performances to gratify owner�s need to excel." Ann Hyland handles this issue, very well. She describes the many regulations that have been put in place in endurance competitions purely for the safety of the horse. A practice that is rarely seen in many of the other horse sports.

For me, what really made the book worth the read was the section on endurance riding organizations. It offers comprehensive descriptions of many associations around the world, from Australia to the United States; and includes Canada. Each country�s chapter includes a history of its organizations, types of rides they offer, general rules and biographies of their more famous riders. I was intrigued with the many levels of endurance competitions that are made available in a great many countries. While rules are certainly different for each, there was the very strong underlying theme that the health of the horse should not be jeopardized in the quest for a first prize. In fact, most world organizations believe that there should be no monetary gain for a win. The humane treatment of the horses seems well regulated throughout. With some, even the length of whip or type of spur allowed is governed in their rulebooks.

For those who aspire to international endurance competitions there is information here on the Federation Equestre Internationale (FEI). This chapter describes the FEI, and why they are involved in endurance riding. There is an over view of many of their rules pertaining to international endurance competitions.

Ann Hyland has included biographies of some of the more memorable horses and riders within the chapters of their home countries. You are sure to recognize the names of those from Canada and the US. Interesting people, no less dedicated to the sport, have been included from all over the world. This was my first opportunity to learn of their efforts in promoting the sport we enjoy so much.

c)2001 by Karen Murray. All rights reserved.
Do not reproduce or redistribute any material
from this document, in whole or in part, without
written permission from Karen Murray

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Endurance Riding - How to Condition, Train, and Manage Your Horse for Long-distance Competition
Ann Hyland, J.B. Lippincott Company, Philadelphia & New York, 1975

This great old book, that I borrowed from endurance riding friend, opened with a brief history of the development of endurance rides in England, USA and Australia.

The chapter on choosing the endurance horse was divided into three areas, conformation, temperament and gaits. In 1976 the Arabian had already became the breed of choice, when selecting an endurance prospect. The author states that, �The Arabian, for all his dainty looks, is anything but fragile, combining strength with a weight-carrying capacity not related to his own bulk, with added bonuses of speed and stamina.�

The author felt that of all aspects of the horse�s conformation, the hoof is one of the most, if not the most, important in the endurance horse�s make up. The Hooves and Shoeing chapter contained lots of advice on hoof care and shoes.

As a perquisite to conditioning a horse for long distance competitions sound schooling is the first step to good performance and the same applies for the rider. Bad riding can prevent a good horse from giving his best performance and a mediocre horse from even getting to the starting post.

During training, nothing beats a program incorporating long, steady well-paced rides. The author does not like conditioning systems of a certain number of weeks with a given number of hours and miles. Conditioning for long-distance riding should mean the horse is fit and willing enough to do more than the minimum he is asked for. Schedules for conditioning the horse for several types of competitions and distances are offered. Most conditioning troubles really stem from insufficient training early on or from a program that started to late, with too much crammed into too short a time. The author packs three chapters full of conditioning advice, much more than the other books printed in the 70�s, that I have read.

Sound advice on caring for your horse before, during and after competitions is given. There is a warning that one has to ride sensibly in order to do well at distance competitions. To ride a horse stupidly at excessive speeds will ensure a bad recovery. Horses ridden badly have coliced, had frighteningly bad heart rates, had heart attacks and some have never been the same horse again.

The author stresses that a good feeding program is a vital part of the management of an endurance horse. The basic information given here is good, but modern research has more to offer the serious competitor, so I recommend that you find more up to date feeding information.

No matter what equipment you use in distance riding, the author insists that it must fit correctly, and be kept clean and in good repair. She writes about finding saddles that fit your horse�s type of back and givers her preferences for pads, girths, bridles and breast collars as well.

As the regular distance competitor will more than likely be asked to organize a ride at some point basic organization information can be found here. Any ride�s success depends on three main factor; happy competitors, smooth organization and good base facilities. Many items that need the attention of the ride manager are covered.

This old book is full of great information that is still very useful when competing in present-day distance rides. Definitely good reading for the beginner and intermediate level competitors.

c)2001 by Karen Murray. All rights reserved.
Do not reproduce or redistribute any material
from this document, in whole or in part, without
written permission from Karen Murray

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I purchased this hardcover, 244-page book at Maritime Tack in Moncton for $42. This is the first book by Donna Snyder-Smith,a freelance journalist, horse sport competitor and coach. She has successfully competed in many of the top Endurance Rides in the United States. Her teaching skills are highly respected, having coached such outstanding endurance competitors as World Champion, Valerie Kanavy.

While the book does offer some general advice on Endurance riding, much emphasis is placed on the methods of becoming a balanced rider and developing a balanced horse. There are many exercises and techniques offered to achieve both. The goal being that, a balanced rider and horse can move together as a team, covering ground, uphill and down, with the least amount of effort.

Many pages were devoted to information on crewing on an Endurance ride, offering advice on everything from safety-checking truck and trailer to horse and rider massage. Thus making this book very helpful to the non-riders on your endurance team.

Inspiring was the section on people who have made a name for themselves in the Endurance riding sport. Especially as only a couple are younger than me. Making me feel that, there is hope for me yet.

A couple of things that you might miss from this book are that, little time is spent on telling you how to select an Endurance prospect or on conditioning recipes. These topics have been covered in other books, so it seems as though, the author has put her energy into other topics of interest to the Endurance rider.

I would recommend this book for those interested in competing in Endurance riding and to the pit-crew members as well.

c)2001 by Karen Murray. All rights reserved.
Do not reproduce or redistribute any material
from this document, in whole or in part, without
written permission from Karen Murray

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Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding
Wentworth Tellington and Linda Tellington-Jones
Doubleday & Company, Inc., Garden City, New York, 1979

I purchased my hardcover copy about 15 years ago for what seems like a small price to pay now, $16.75. As my first distance-riding book, it offered me lots of advice to get me started. Many years and miles later it still offers sage advice, even if there are more current books available. The authors managed to fill the pages with a little bit of everything that pertains to distance riding. Starting with the history of distance competition, selection of a suitable horse, shoeing, etc., and ending with a reminder to always practice good sportsmanship.

Two basic factors were pointed out during the discussion of selecting a mount. 1. Not every horse is born to be a winner. Find a good one. You may not be able to make a winner out of your house just because you happen to own him. 2. No horse has a change unless you treat him right.

Chapters on managing and judging a ride offer lots of advice to beginning riders and judges alike. The authors recommend that a new competitor should consider their first few rides as learning experiences. �Go to the first contest with your hat in your hand. Take care of your horse.� As in be aware of your inexperience and have respect for those who have the experience. Above all else, the horse comes first.

The chapter titled �The Art of Feeding,� discussed some of the basics that horse owners should become aware. But since the book is an older publication, one needs to supplement these basics with more up to date feeding information designed for the distance horse.

Most experienced competitors know that to say, �Proper trimming followed by proper shoeing can be very beneficial to the movement, comfort, security, and ability of the horse to cover long distance most efficiently.� Is a bit on an understatement. So the authors have offered quite a lot of information on trimming and anatomy. A large chapter titled �Physical Therapy for the Athletic Horse� offers advice on treatment for injuries, massage and stretching exercises. Consider it a bit of pre-TTEAM, which was later developed by one of the authors.

Because back problems can be such a common problem in distance horses, a chapter written by Dr. Kerry Ridgeway D.V.M. was included. The causes of back soreness were divided into four groups; Rider induced causes, horse�s physical fitness, conformation, and tack.

Those who have been involved in distance riding have discovered that trial and error have determined each person�s selection of equipment for their horse. Each piece of tack, every sponge, electrolyte and even ones undergarments have to be tested before competition day. When covering the equipment needed the authors state, �The magic work for you and your horse is comfort.�

Near the end of the book I found this sentence that seems to describe distance riding as I have experienced it. �The great majority of contestants today simply decide to try this sport, read as much as they can, get the best horse they can find or afford, and �have at it.� They make some mistakes, but with solid help from the people they compete with, they soon catch on.� Do you recognize yourself here as well?

If you find a copy of this old book, take the time to read it. In spite of its age, it is still worth your time.

c)2001 by Karen Murray. All rights reserved.
Do not reproduce or redistribute any material
from this document, in whole or in part, without
written permission from Karen Murray

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I borrowed this book from a friend, who has been involved in distance riding for many years. In 1976 this hard cover copy could have been purchased for $8.95. It is enjoyable reading peppered with practical examples and personal experiences.

The authors give advice on distance riding within a context of �this is how we do it.� They described the techniques they used while preparing and competing with their horses. Within the personal stories can be found many practical solutions to common problems encountered in the sport of distance riding. Many of their philosophies we would do well to heed, such as, �Competitors win their awards on the trail. No amount of money can buy what they take home in their hearts and memories.�

In the chapter on selecting a suitable mount I found this gem. �As real estate should be seen in the drabness of winter, and prospective spouses under stress, so should horses be seen in the off season. Then shiny coats will not cover a multitude of sins.� The authors feel that temperament is as important as conformation and breeding and should be given due consideration when selecting the trail horse. The relationship between horse and rider is the vital factor in success and cannot be overemphasized in competitive riding. A horse should be selected with the same feeling for companionship as a friend.

As for conditioning for distance rides, the authors warn that it is not easy. Distance riding demands care and conditioning of the horse, and unless the prospective long distance rider is willing to acquire the knowledge and apply it by hard work, he might as well keep his horse in the pasture.

I had not seen this helpful hint before. In the case of your getting leg cramps after a ride, a teaspoonful of bicarbonate of soda in a half glass of water is an effective remedy.

Quotes from experienced distance rides are used to stress the importance of certain topics. For example they write, �Mathew Mackay-Smith, D.V.M., one of the authorities on the equine foot, says that to properly care for horses� feet it is first necessary to understand their functions, which are for protection, support, shock absorption, and circulation.� Thus using his comments as a lead in for the chapter on foot structure and shoeing.

When you expect a great deal from your horse, he should be able to expect the same from you. If you want to continue riding a distance horse, you must take as good care of the horse after the ride as before, and the time to start is at the finish line.

Not normally seen in distance riding books is a chapter devoted to traveling the highways with horse in tow. It gives advice on loading, suggestions for stabling in route and driving techniques.

It was interesting to note that in the chapter on feeding, it was pointed out that alfalfa can cause a slightly higher pulse and respiration rate and increased sweating and urination. Even back when this book was printed many experienced distance riders were feeding electrolytes, and were recommended by the author.

The authors offer some of their personal training regimes. They suggest you condition your horse on the type of terrain you plan on competing, and the only way to develop a successful training program is by experience. Only experience and knowledge of the individual horse can tell a contestant when his animal is in top shape. Since mile after mile of trotting puts tremendous strain on a horse�s legs the horse must be conditioned well before a distance event. It is better to trot for long distances rather than slowing to a walk, trotting again, then showing. A continued extended trot creates a rhythm between horse and rider is less tiring and covers more ground. The Johnson's stated that old-time cowboys often stood to the trot, holding the pommel with one hand. Only more recently did it become popular in western pleasure classes to sit the trot. Most all distance riders now know that posting or standing to the trot is necessary to avoid injuring the horse�s back.

While this is not the book that will tell you everything you need to know about present day distance riding competition, it does contain useful information. I enjoyed Virginia Johnson�s writing style and the use of personal stories to make important points.

c)2001 by Karen Murray. All rights reserved.
Do not reproduce or redistribute any material
from this document, in whole or in part, without
written permission from Karen Murray

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