36 / Sport and Trail Magazine
eye on the other horses. Give your horse plenty of time to drink, even bringing him back to the water a time or two if he is reluctant to drink.
If you get lost, go back to where you saw the last trail marking and don't forget to look at your map too.
If your horse shows signs of colic, lameness or fatigue, slow down and/or stop. Dismount and let him rest or lead him slowly. If this doesn't help, stop and wait for the drag riders if there are any, otherwise tell someone who can report you at the next stop.
As you come into a vet check, dismount, loosen the girth and if you have some, pour water on him.
Get your rider card out and hand it to the in-timer, if required.
Water your horse trying not to crowd or pour water on the horse close to the trough. Some rides provide sponging buckets.
Most vet checks are a gate into a hold. This means your horse's P/R has to be at criteria before the hold time starts. When you think your horse is at the P/ R criteria, present him to the P/R staff and have your rider card out.
After your horse meets the P/R criteria, usually 60 to 64 beats per minute, take note of the out time on your rider card.
Present your horse to the vet(s) unless instructed otherwise. Have your rider card ready. Graciously accept what the vet tells you about your horse if there is a problem. Don't argue or whine.
If this is a long hold, find your crew or bag and a place to rest. Feed and water your horse. Check the shoes and clean the hooves. You may have already removed the tack so clean or wash off what you can, particularly splint boots. Put a rump rug or blanket on if cool or windy. Walk your horse for a few minutes a couple of times to keep him from stiffening up. Locate the out-timer.
About 10 minutes before you are ready to leave, this can be later than the out-time marked on your rider card if you or your horse need more time to rest, tack up and walk to the out-timer. Have your rider card out.
If you think you may not finish within the allocated time, don't hurry. It is much better to come in late with a happy horse than a tired one. There is always the next ride. Keep in mind you and your horse have already learned a great deal.
At the finish, have your rider card out for the timer. Note, limited distance horses are given a completion only if they meet criteria within a half-hour of completing the course. Placings are determined by the order in which the horses meet criteria. Equines on endurance rides of 50 miles and longer have one hour to meet criteria.
Water your horse, strip the tack and clean him up a bit before presenting to the P/R and vet staff within the time allocated for your division. Afterwards, provide hay and water and walk your horse every 20 minutes or so to prevent him from stiffening up. Wait a couple of hours before giving concentrates.
Enjoy the awards dinner and start planning for your next ride!
To find out more about endurance riding and the American Endurance Ride Conference, visit www.aerc.org
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