Endurance riding is a test of strategy, resilience, and the unbreakable bond between horse and rider—far more than just a race against the clock. As one of the most demanding equestrian disciplines, it challenges both physical stamina and mental strength, with distances ranging from 40km to a staggering 200km. In South Africa, where the sport is growing in popularity, the allure of endurance lies not just in competition but in the community spirit and the breathtaking landscapes riders traverse.
Equestrian Life spoke to Danie Bierman, Vice President of the Endurance Ride Association of South Africa (ERASA), on the spirit of endurance riding. “Endurance riding is truly a family sport. You’ll often see entire families involved, whether it’s the dad riding while the kids help as part of the grooming team or vice versa. Even if someone isn’t riding, they play a vital role in the crew, ensuring the horse receives the necessary care, especially at major events. It’s one of the few equestrian disciplines where you don’t have to be in the saddle to be deeply involved, which is why it brings people together,” says Danie
“Beyond the community aspect, endurance attracts a certain kind of rider—the ultra-marathon personality who thrives on pushing boundaries alongside their horse. It’s tougher than most equestrian disciplines and demands an extreme level of dedication. It’s also a discipline where the Arabian breed truly shines, proving its stamina and sheer capability beyond the show ring. Time and time again, these horses prove just how much they can achieve, often surpassing expectations,” he adds.
Danie also adds that at the heart of it all, endurance remains one of the most strictly regulated equestrian sports regarding welfare, ensuring that the horse’s well-being always comes first.
The Appeal of Endurance Riding
Experienced endurance rider Nick Harper sums up the sport’s appeal: “It’s value for money and a lot of riding for your entry fee.” Unlike other equestrian disciplines, endurance riding offers more than just a competitive thrill. Riders are immersed in nature, often sharing trails with wildlife in game reserves—a unique experience that adds an adventurous twist. It’s not merely about winning but about challenging oneself and the horse while enjoying the great outdoors.
The community aspect is another highlight. Nick describes it as a supportive environment where riders help each other, fostering camaraderie and shared passion. “You start at the novice level and gradually work your way up to competitive classes. It’s relatively safe because you can’t just declare yourself a pro and ride,” he explains. This structured progression makes endurance accessible, nurturing both horse and rider to their full potential.
Rules and Ride Types in Endurance Riding
Endurance riding is an equestrian sport recognised by the Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), the international governing body for equestrian disciplines. In South Africa, ERASA oversees the sport’s regulations and organises various ride types to cater to different levels of experience and competitiveness. ERASA operates under the auspices of the South African Equestrian Federation (SAEF), ensuring that national endurance events align with both FEI standards and local equestrian guidelines.
According to Danie, rules are critical for the welfare of the horse. “One of the things that sets endurance apart is the time and care invested in developing a competitive horse. Unlike some disciplines where horses start racing as young as two or three, in endurance, they cannot even begin competing until they are five years old. And even then, they are carefully brought along, with most horses only reaching their peak competitive level at around eight years old.
“It’s a sport that requires patience, conditioning, and a deep understanding of the horse’s long-term welfare. That makes endurance special—you’re not just riding, you’re building a true partnership over time,” he says.
Rides are typically divided into three main categories:
- Novice Rides: These are for beginners, where riders and horses gradually build experience. Novices are restricted to a maximum speed of 16 km/h and must complete a series of shorter rides (two 40km rides followed by two 80km rides) before moving on to competitive levels.
- Competitive Rides: Once out of the novice category, riders can compete in rides ranging from 80km to 160km. These rides are classified by weight categories: Lightweight, Standard Weight, and Heavyweight, with riders weighing in with their saddles, similar to jockeys.
- Endurance Rides: The ultimate challenge is that these rides test the stamina and fitness of both horse and rider. The most prestigious of these is the Fauresmith 201km, known as the “Comrades of endurance riding.” This gruelling ride is completed over three days, with horses undergoing rigorous vet checks every 25km to ensure their fitness to continue.
Vet Checks and Welfare Protocols
Endurance riding places paramount importance on the welfare of the horse. Unlike other equestrian sports, endurance events require horses to pass through multiple vet checks before, during, and after the ride to ensure they are fit to continue. These vet checks are thorough, covering metabolic parameters, heart rate, soundness, and overall condition.
“Veterinary checks are the backbone of endurance riding. We use highly experienced endurance vets at all our rides, and at major events, we also bring in a group of younger vets to work alongside them. This way, we are continuously training the next generation, making sure there will always be skilled professionals in the sport. If a horse is flagged by a vet for any reason, even something minor, it is immediately sent to the treatment area for monitoring.
“Transparency is key, and the SPCA is regularly invited to our events, and our vets take the time to show them exactly how our welfare protocols work, from vet checks to treatment procedures. They see firsthand how we assess vital signs like heart rate and metabolic indicators, and they understand the level of care that goes into ensuring every horse is fit to continue,” says Danie.
The heart rate limit is a crucial indicator of the horse’s fitness. At each vet check, the horse’s heart rate must be below 64 beats per minute before they can continue. Riders only have 20 minutes to achieve this, making strategic pacing and effective cooling techniques vital. “If you don’t get the heart rate down in time, you’re disqualified,” Nick notes. This rule ensures no horse is over-exerted, maintaining a high standard of welfare and safety.
Getting to Nationals
The South African endurance riding calendar builds up to several prestigious championship events, where the best of the best compete for national glory. Though Fauresmith is a provincial championship, it stands as the crown jewel of South African endurance riding, drawing top riders from across the country and beyond. This event is the ultimate test of stamina, strategy, and horsemanship. It draws around 300 to 400 entrants each year, making it the most coveted event on the South African endurance calendar.
As for nationals, ERASA organises the 120 km and 160 km National Championships. These events are selected each year by the ERASA Council and are featured as part of the annual South African International Championships (SAIC). National champions are crowned across various categories, including Junior/Young Riders and Senior weight divisions (Light Weight, Standard Weight, and Heavy Weight).
Danie says these events attract visitors from all over the world, and ERASA has hosted teams from the USA, New Zealand and Australia. Not to mention Namibia, whose team is a regular at the local events, and whose horses he says are some of the finest and toughest in the industry.
These championship rides culminate in riders attaining their Protea Colours – in line with FEI guidelines. And for the honour of representing their country on an international stage.
Strategy, Tactics, and Training
Endurance riding isn’t just about going the distance; it’s about knowing when to push and when to pace. Success hinges on a rider’s ability to read their horse and manage its energy reserves strategically. Danie stresses, “The trick is to ride at a pace where you can get your horse’s heart rate down and slip through the vet gate as quickly as possible and not to use the 20 minutes allocated.” This requires in-depth knowledge of the horse’s capabilities and careful planning to maintain speed while keeping the heart rate in check.
Danie adds that feet and diet are also essential in the overall ability of your horse. “To quote the saying, no hoof, no horse. In endurance, good farrier work and good feet are non-negotiable in the same breath as marathon runners use only the best to protect their feet. Diet is also critical, you need to make sure your horse is getting the right nutrients to be able to sustain themselves over these long distances.”
Training is intense, mirroring that of marathon runners. It involves interval work, hill sprints, and continuous conditioning to build the horse’s fitness and stamina. “It’s a six to seven days a week commitment. You can’t just rely on walkers; you need to be on the horse’s back too,” Nick says. This dedication is vital for achieving the perfect blend of speed and endurance.
The Right Horse for the Job
When selecting an endurance horse, South African riders have a clear favourite—the Arabian. Renowned for their stamina and spirit, Arabians dominate the sport, with Anglo-Arabs also performing well. “Arabians never give up. They have a natural will to win,” Nick shares.
For heavier riders like Nick, a more solid, square-built Arabian with a big chest and strong hooves is ideal. A shorter back ensures stability and comfort during the long canters, while their alertness and self-preservation instincts make them reliable partners on unpredictable terrains. “They listen to the rider but also look out for themselves, which is crucial in endurance,” he notes.
Nick marvels at the intelligence and instinct of endurance horses, recounting remarkable moments when his horses made decisions that surprised even him. He recalls an event where his horse veered right on a small track he hadn’t noticed, only to discover a marker confirming the route—a decision made purely by the horse’s keen observation. In another ride, a rider found herself alone in the lead after trusting her horse’s instinct to take a different path in the fog, bypassing the rest of the pack.
“They’re not just listening to the rider; they’re looking out for themselves too,” Nick explains. This uncanny ability to navigate complex trails and make split-second decisions showcases the remarkable partnership and trust built between horse and rider in endurance racing.
Community Spirit and Growth Challenges
Endurance riding isn’t just about the ride; it’s about the friendships forged on the trails and the supportive community. Riders camp with their families, share stories and cheer each other on. It’s a lifestyle that appeals to outdoor enthusiasts seeking adventure and camaraderie. Yet, despite its appeal, like all South African sports riders are facing tough economic times.
That said, the sport, remains accessible, with flexible participation rules allowing riders to choose their rides and accumulate points without mandatory attendance at every event. Points count towards being selected for teams. This inclusivity keeps the community spirit alive, even as economic constraints pose challenges.
A Discipline Like No Other
“I would really love for every equestrian to just come and try endurance riding once in their lives and be part of the buzz. Spend a weekend with us, and bring your horse. We don’t care if you take the whole day to finish the ride – we will guide you. At our club race at Sondela, we often waive the entry fee for people who want to try it. Our families come on a Thursday and enjoy an incredible weekend in the bush with their families and their horses – it is perfect. Visit our website to learn more and take the first step toward your endurance journey,” ends Danie.
Endurance riding is not for the faint-hearted. It demands grit, strategic thinking, and an unbreakable bond with your horse. It’s a discipline that tests the limits of physical and mental endurance, offering a sense of accomplishment like no other. From the thrill of navigating game reserves to the intense competition at Fauresmith, endurance riding is an extraordinary journey of resilience and partnership.
