|
|
||
|
|
|
|
|
The Sports |
Long Distance Riding | |
            |
Endurance: Endurance became an FEI recognised sport in 1982 but originated as an organised sport in the 1950's. The first competitive trails rides took place in California in 1955 with a race along 160km of old emigrant trails. The trail used became known as the Western States Trail Ride and the competition is called The Tevis Cup after the President of the Wells Fargo Company. The sport is now popular in Australia, New Zealand, France, United Kingdom, Germany, South Africa, United States and all the Arab Gulf States. In endurance riding horses and riders race in distances of 25-160km. Each race is divided into phases of (25miles) 40.25km and at the end of each phase the horse must be vetted. It is not sufficient simply to win the race, the horse must finish in good condition and the horse's welfare takes highest priority. There is no minimum or maximum age for riders but horses must be at least five years old to compete. Both endurance and CTR riders complete a course by following a marked trail which may consist of tape or ribbons tied on branches and arrows on trees posts etc. A championship 1 day competition will usually cover 100 miles \ 160 km with the winning riding time of around 10 to 12 hours. During each checkpoint, at the end of each phase, the horse is vetted, watered, fed if possible, cooled down, gear checked and\or replaced, much like the staging areas of a human multi-sport race. A backup team usually meets the horse and rider as they enter each checkpoint to provide all the necessary equipment and support. CTR or Competitive Trail Riding has emerged as a sport for those who do not wish to compete at such a rigorous level as endurance or as a method to qualify for endurance competitions. Competitive Trail Riding, CTR or limited-distance as it is sometimes known - is a measured event, based on a points system and is focused on horses heart rates, and an "optimum riding time" and the riders ability to come in as close to this time as possible rather than a race. Ride distances can range from 15km to 80km. Competitors must still pass pre and post ride vet checks. Prizes are usually rosettes and\or points which can be accumulated to qualify for endurance events. RIDE AND TIE is an endurance event made up of teams consisting of one horse and two rider/runners. At the start of the race one team member is riding the horse the other is on foot. The one on the horse rides on ahead for distance established with their partner, gets off and ties their horse, and takes off running. The team member that was on foot, runs until they get to where the horse is tied, unties, mounts, and rides to catch up to their partner. From this point on the team continues either leapfrogging or handing the horse off so that one runner is always ahead. A race is generally more than 20 miles in length crosses a variety of terrain. The team has finished the event when the horse and both humans have crossed the finish line. THE HORSE is the responsibility of the team. As with other endurance events, veterinary staff makes sure the horses are in good condition and can eliminate horses from competition. There is a pre-ride vet check, additional checks every 10 to 15 miles in the race, and a final check after the race. The horse must be in good condition at all checks in order for the team to get a completion. Le Trec is an even newer sport and is rapidly increasing in popularity. Le Trec can be likened more to orienteering and includes a little equitation. TREC is short for Technique de Randonnee Equestre de Competition. The sport developed in France about 27 years ago when the concept was devised as a training test for equestrian tourist guides. Since that time its own governing body called the Federation Internationale de Tourisme Equestre (FITE) was formed. Member countries include France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Belgium, United Kingdom, Argentine, Quebec, Tunisia and the United States. The Competition is made up of three phases designed to test a horse and rider combination in a range of activities. The first phase is orienteering, using maps, on horseback. Riders are required to follow a route at predetermined speeds. This phase is not a race and most of the course can be negotiated at either walk or trot. Phase two is designed to show the amount of influence the rider has over his or her mount first in canter then at the walk following a straight line course. Highest points are awarded for the horse that travels the slowest in the canter and the fastest in the walk. Phase three is the cross-country phase. It includes some reasonably sized obstacles to be jumped but also dismounted exercises and even non-traditional obstacles such as that shown below which the rider must negotiate under, over or around on horseback. The horse and rider are not disqualified if they are unable to perform any part of this final phase. Injury, cheating or losing equipment can, however, result in elimination.
|
|
| On This Page | ||
|
CTR Le Trec |
||
| Related Pages | ||
|
Sports Links
|
||
| Links | ||
|
New
Zealand Endurance & Competitive Trail Riding Association -
official website Secretary Dinah Nicholas 86 Koraha Rd, RD2 Kumeu Auckland email
Ambassador Endurance - Rider Rankings and a comprehensive
endurance site AERC American Endurance Ride Conference Ride and Tie
Pacific Northwest Ride and Tie
ARE YOU NUTS? Trail Running Series Le Trec
•
|
||
|
|
||
|---|---|---|
