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{"PageID":1506,"ThemeCode":null,"BlogInfo":{"Breadcrumbs":[{"Name":"News","URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News"}],"ID":46,"SpaceID":2,"Name":"News","Description":"Key news items","Author":{"ID":14,"Name":"John Hudson","CompanyName":null,"HasEmail":true},"CreationTime":"18/11/2019 11:00","Tags":[],"URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News","IsWatching":false,"CanWatch":false,"CanPostBlogEntry":false},"EntryInfo":{"Breadcrumbs":[{"Name":"News","URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News"},{"Name":"The Different Types of Endurance Ride Explained","URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/The+Different+Types+of+Endurance+Ride+Explained"}],"ID":1506,"Name":"The Different Types of Endurance Ride Explained","Abstract":"Discover the different types of endurance ride, from relaxed pleasure rides to international competition. Whether you’re completely new to the sport or ready to progress, there’s an endurance ride to suit every horse and rider.","ImageUrl":"","ThumbnailImageUrl":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/2004_PEARL_WILTS_DROVES_resized.jpg","Author":{"ID":18512,"MembershipNumber":null,"Username":null,"Forename":"Bella","Surname":"Fricker","Name":"Bella Fricker","Handle":"Bella","CompanyName":null,"FamilyGroupName":null,"Branch":{"ID":3,"Name":"Cromwell","Description":"Northants, Cambridgeshire, Beds \u0026 Hertfordshire","Icon":null,"Colour":"rgb(208, 58, 73)","Depth":0,"Indent":0,"CanBeSelected":true,"Sections":null,"Label":"\u003cspan class=\u0022label label-default\u0022 style=\u0022background-color: rgb(208, 58, 73)\u0022\u003eCromwell\u003c/span\u003e","LabelLarge":"\u003cspan class=\u0022label label-default label-lg\u0022 style=\u0022background-color: rgb(208, 58, 73)\u0022\u003eCromwell\u003c/span\u003e"},"IsLoggedInUser":false,"ImageUrl":null},"IsDraft":false,"PublicationDate":"Thursday, 7 May 2026","CreationTime":"07/05/2026 06:25","CommentCount":0,"Tags":["getting started","types of endurance ride"],"URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/The+Different+Types+of+Endurance+Ride+Explained","CanAdmin":false},"Content":"\u003cp\u003eOne of the best things about endurance riding is that there’s truly something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed day out with friends, your first taste of competition, or a long-term goal to aim for, Endurance GB offers a pathway to suit every rider and every horse. \u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom social rides through beautiful countryside to international championship classes, endurance is a sport built around partnership, adventure and horse welfare. And the best part? You don’t need a special breed, expensive tack or years of experience to get started.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReady to give it a go?\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nExplore upcoming rides on the \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Events/Calendar/Index?stream=All%20Events\u0022\u003eEvents Calendar\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nFind your nearest \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/GROUPS/Groups+Map\u0022\u003eLocal Group\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nDiscover the benefits of becoming an \u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/JOINING/Membership+Packages\u0022\u003eEndurance GB Member\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHere’s a simple guide to the different types of rides you’ll come across at Endurance GB.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGroup Pleasure Rides (PRs)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022float: left; width: 354px; max-width: 354px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;\u0022\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/image(163).png\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many riders, this is where the endurance journey begins.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGroup Pleasure Rides are relaxed, non-competitive rides of up to 34km, organised by local groups across England and Wales. They’re designed to be welcoming, sociable and low-pressure — ideal if you’re new to endurance or simply want to enjoy a scenic ride with like-minded people.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoutes are clearly marked, there are no jumps, and there’s no pressure to ride fast. Most riders travel at a comfortable pace of around 8–12kmph, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the countryside and your horse.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThink of it as:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nA fun day out with your horse\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nA chance to build confidence\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nAn opportunity to meet other riders\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nA gentle introduction to long-distance riding\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll find everything from quiet woodland tracks to rolling hills and open farmland, depending on the venue. Many riders start with a shorter pleasure ride and quickly discover just how addictive endurance can be.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNew to the sport? Start by finding your nearest \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/GROUPS/Groups+Map\u0022\u003elocal group\u003c/a\u003e and joining a \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Events/Calendar?filter=EventType%3D7%26IsFuture%3Dtrue\u0022\u003epleasure ride near you\u003c/a\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003ch2\u003eNational Pleasure Rides\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022float: left; width: 354px; max-width: 354px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;\u0022\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/image(164).png\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you feel ready for the next step, National Pleasure Rides offer a brilliant introduction to the competitive side of endurance — without losing the friendly atmosphere.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese rides take place alongside larger national endurance events and include simple veterinary checks before and after the ride. The aim is to complete the route within the required speed parameters while ensuring your horse finishes happy and healthy.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eComplete the course, pass the vetting, and you’ll head home with a well-earned rosette.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe completion speed is usually between 8–12kmph. For example:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nA 20km ride might take between 1 hour 40 minutes and 2½ hours\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNational Pleasure Rides are perfect for:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nRiders moving on from local pleasure rides\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nHorses gaining experience\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nCombinations building confidence with vettings and organised competition environments\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMost riders quickly realise that endurance isn’t just about speed — it’s about pacing, preparation and learning what works best for your horse.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBrowse the events calendar to find \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Events/Calendar/Index?stream=All%20Events\u0022\u003eNational Pleasure Rides\u003c/a\u003e happening near you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eGraded Endurance Rides (GERs)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022float: left; width: 354px; max-width: 354px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;\u0022\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/image(165).png\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is where endurance riding really begins to feel like a sport of strategy and horsemanship.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGraded Endurance Rides, often called GERs, start at 20km and can progress all the way up to 160km. Unlike traditional racing, the result isn’t based solely on who is fastest. Instead, riders are rewarded for balancing speed with horse welfare.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour final grade is influenced by:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nRiding speed\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nYour horse’s recovery\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nFinal heart rate\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nOverall fitness and condition\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt longer distances, rides are divided into sections called loops, separated by “vet gates”. At each vet gate, horses are checked by veterinary teams to ensure they are:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nSound and comfortable\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nRecovering well\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nProperly hydrated\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nFit to continue\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour horse’s heart rate must recover below 64 beats per minute before continuing.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many riders, GERs are what make endurance so addictive. You learn how to train effectively, pace intelligently, and work in partnership with your horse over distance.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s competitive — but horse welfare always comes first.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCompetitive Endurance Rides (CERs)\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022float: left; width: 354px; max-width: 354px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;\u0022\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/image(166).png\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCERs are endurance riding at its most competitive national level.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese rides are typically 65km or more and involve mass starts, where combinations set off together. The winner is the first horse and rider combination to cross the finish line \u003cem\u003eand\u003c/em\u003e successfully pass the final veterinary inspection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThat final part is crucial.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA horse can cross the line first, but if they don’t pass the vetting, they won’t win. Welfare remains the priority at every stage of the sport.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCERs are open only to experienced horse-and-rider combinations who have already proven themselves at lower levels. They require:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nCareful fitness preparation\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nStrong pacing skills\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nExperience managing horses over distance\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nExcellent horsemanship\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor many riders, progressing into CERs becomes a long-term goal after years spent building experience through GERs.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFEI Classes\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\u0022float: left; width: 354px; max-width: 354px; margin-left: 10px; margin-right: 10px;\u0022\u003e\u003cimg src=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/image(167).png\u0022 data-image=\u00221\u0022\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAt the very top of the sport are FEI classes.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThese international rides run under the rules of the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI) and represent the highest level of endurance competition.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFEI classes are open only to qualified riders and horses registered with the FEI. Distances range from introductory international classes through to major championships and elite 160km competitions.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis is the level where riders may compete:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nInternationally\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nFor national teams\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\nAt European and World Championships\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBut importantly, the pathway to FEI sport often starts in exactly the same place as everyone else: a simple pleasure ride with a horse and a sense of adventure.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c/h2\u003e\u003ch2\u003eSo… Which Ride Should You Try?\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re completely new to endurance, start with a Group Pleasure Ride. They’re relaxed, welcoming and designed for riders just like you.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you already enjoy hacking, pleasure rides or exploring the countryside with your horse, you’ll probably find endurance feels surprisingly familiar — just with marked routes, friendly support and a community cheering you on.\u003c/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eHelpful Links\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Events/Calendar/Index?stream=All%20Events\u0022\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eEvents Calendar\u003c/strong\u003e \u003c/a\u003e– Find upcoming rides across the country\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/GROUPS/Groups+Map\u0022\u003eLocal Groups\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e – Meet riders in your area and join social rides\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/JOINING/Membership+Packages\u0022\u003eMembership\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e – Discover member benefits and start your endurance journey\n\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e\u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/JOINING/Getting+Started+with+EGB\u0022\u003eNew to Endurance?\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/strong\u003e – Learn more about how to get started\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom your first 16km social ride to international competition, there’s a place for you and your horse in endurance riding. And wherever you start, the journey is part of the adventure.\u003c/p\u003e","HasCommentsThread":true,"SeoTags":{"OpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"og:title","Name":"Types of Endurance Ride"},{"ID":"og:type","Name":"website"},{"ID":"og:url","Name":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/The+Different+Types+of+Endurance+Ride+Explained"},{"ID":"og:description","Name":"New to endurance riding? Explore the different types of Endurance GB rides and discover where you and your horse can start your adventure."},{"ID":"og:image","Name":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/2004_PEARL_WILTS_DROVES_resized.jpg"}],"NonOpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"description","Name":"Discover the different types of endurance ride, from relaxed pleasure rides to competitive and international classes. Find the right Endurance GB ride for you and your horse."},{"ID":"keywords","Name":"endurance riding, types of endurance ride, Endurance GB, pleasure rides, graded endurance rides, competitive endurance rides, horse riding events, long distance riding, beginner endurance riding, horse welfare"}]},"PageURL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/The+Different+Types+of+Endurance+Ride+Explained","Comments":[],"UpdatedComments":[],"LastViewTime":null,"CanEdit":false,"CanPublish":false,"CanComment":false,"CanReadComments":false,"CanModerateComments":false}

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