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This step-by-step guide covers everything from arrival and vetting to riding and finishing, helping you feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy the journey with your horse.\n","ImageUrl":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/Sophie_Dickinson_5.jpg","ThumbnailImageUrl":"","Author":{"ID":13249,"MembershipNumber":null,"Username":null,"Forename":"John","Surname":"Hudson","Name":"John Hudson","Handle":"John","CompanyName":null,"FamilyGroupName":null,"Branch":{"ID":21,"Name":"South West","Description":"Devon \u0026 Cornwall","Icon":null,"Colour":"rgb(98, 3, 48)","Depth":0,"Indent":0,"CanBeSelected":true,"Sections":null,"Label":"\u003cspan class=\u0022label label-default\u0022 style=\u0022background-color: rgb(98, 3, 48)\u0022\u003eSouth West\u003c/span\u003e","LabelLarge":"\u003cspan class=\u0022label label-default label-lg\u0022 style=\u0022background-color: rgb(98, 3, 48)\u0022\u003eSouth West\u003c/span\u003e"},"IsLoggedInUser":false,"ImageUrl":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Mugshots/jhudson.jpg"},"IsDraft":false,"PublicationDate":"Wednesday, 15 April 2026","CreationTime":"08/04/2026 06:08","CommentCount":0,"Tags":["Getting started"],"URL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Your+First+Endurance+Ride+What+to+Expect+on+the+Day","CanAdmin":false},"Content":"\u003cp\u003eHeading to your first Endurance GB ride? You’re in the right place. From arrival to vetting and everything in between, this guide will help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to enjoy the experience with your horse.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom your first 16km ride to longer distances, there’s a place for everyone in endurance – and we’re here to support you every step of the way.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBefore the Ride: Getting Prepared\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn most cases, your event organiser will send everything you need in advance. This may arrive via email or be available to download from the event listing on the Endurance GB website – sometimes both.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour event information will usually include:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eA route map\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eRider briefing notes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBib numbers and start/vetting times\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eOccasionally, a route talk or directions to the venue\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake the time to read everything carefully. Understanding the route, terrain, and any hazards or restrictions will help you ride safely and confidently.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore the day, you should:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eCheck your required speed \u003ca href=\u0022https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/RULES/Endurance+GB+Rules\u0022\u003e(found in the rule book)\u003c/a\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eNote your pre-ride vetting time\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePlan to arrive at least 30 minutes before vetting\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eArriving at the Venue\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhen you arrive, head to the Event Office to register.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eHand in your Mastercard (not required for Pleasure Rides or GERs under 30km)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eCollect your number bib\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eReceive your Vet Sheet\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore vetting, complete the top section of your Vet Sheet.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTake a few minutes to:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eCheck the noticeboard for updates or route changes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eFamiliarise yourself with the venue layout (vetting, farrier, start/finish)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAttach your emergency number tags to yourself and your saddle\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePre-Ride Vetting: Putting Welfare First\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHorse welfare is at the heart of everything we do. Every horse is checked before the ride to ensure they’re fit, comfortable, and ready to go.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStart by presenting your horse to the farrier for a shoe check.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThen head to the vetting area around 5 minutes before your allocated time. Your horse should be:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eUntacked (bridle or headcollar only)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eClean, with no oil on the hooves\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eRug removed when asked\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBring your Vet Sheet and hand it to the vet writer on entry.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat happens next?\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePleasure Rides:\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA simple trot-up before and after the ride.\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGraded Endurance Rides (GERs):\u003c/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe vet will:\u003cp\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eCheck your horse’s pulse\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAssess overall condition (“lumps and bumps”)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eAsk you to trot your horse in hand over 30 metres\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you’re unsure, practise your trot-up at home. A steady, relaxed trot on a loose rein is ideal.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eThe Ride Itself\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you’ve passed vetting, you’re ready to tack up and go.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMake sure you have:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eYour map and route notes\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eA drink (especially in warm weather)\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReport to the start mounted at your allocated time – and enjoy the ride!\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRoutes are clearly marked, usually with:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eHigh visibility tape\u0026nbsp;markers at eye level secured to hedges/stakes etc\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eSpray paint arrows on the ground\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHowever, markers can sometimes be moved or missed, so always carry your map.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eOn route tips:\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eEnsure stewards record your number at checkpoints – this is your responsibility\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eIf you think you’re off course, return to the last known marker\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eBe courteous to walkers, cyclists, and other countryside users\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eTake care at road crossings (stewards cannot stop traffic)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eFollow the Countryside Code, especially around livestock\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFinishing the Ride\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAfter crossing the finish line, report to the timekeeper to receive your finish time.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYou’ll then have up to \u003cstrong\u003e30 minutes\u003c/strong\u003e to present your horse for final vetting.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe process is similar to pre-ride vetting:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eHorse untacked\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eClean and comfortable\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eNo oil on hooves\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis final check ensures your horse has completed the ride in good health.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eIf You Need to Retire\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you retire during the ride, or your horse does not pass a vetting, you must receive veterinary permission before leaving the venue.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf needed:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eReturn to base (by horsebox or trailer if necessary)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eContact the nearest checkpoint in case of emergency\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour horse’s welfare always comes first – there will always be another ride.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHeading Home\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce you’ve vetted through successfully, it’s time to wind down and reflect on your day.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBefore leaving:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\u003cli\u003eReturn your number bib\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003eCollect your Mastercard (if applicable)\u003c/li\u003e\u003cli\u003ePick up your rosette\u003c/li\u003e\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlease allow around 30 minutes after vetting, as officials are often busy processing results.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eEnjoy the Journey\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour first endurance ride is the start of something special.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt’s not just about the distance – it’s about partnership, preparation, and the experience you share with your horse. Whether everything goes perfectly or you learn along the way, every ride builds confidence and connection.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWe look forward to seeing you out on course. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c/p\u003e\n","HasCommentsThread":true,"SeoTags":{"OpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"og:title","Name":"Your First Endurance Ride: What to Expect on the Day | Endurance GB"},{"ID":"og:type","Name":"website"},{"ID":"og:url","Name":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Your+First+Endurance+Ride+What+to+Expect+on+the+Day"},{"ID":"og:description","Name":"New to endurance riding? Our helpful guide explains what to expect on your first Endurance GB ride, from registration and vetting to checkpoints, welfare and heading home."},{"ID":"og:image","Name":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Client/Images/Cms/Sophie_Dickinson_5.jpg"}],"NonOpenGraphTags":[{"ID":"description","Name":"A practical guide to your first endurance ride with Endurance GB, including arrival, vetting, riding etiquette, checkpoints, welfare procedures and what to expect on the day."},{"ID":"keywords","Name":"first endurance ride, Endurance GB, endurance riding guide, horse vetting, pleasure ride, graded endurance ride, horse welfare, what to expect at an endurance ride, endurance ride checklist, riding event advice"}]},"PageURL":"https://www.endurancegb.co.uk/Cms/Spaces/NEWS/News/Your+First+Endurance+Ride+What+to+Expect+on+the+Day","Comments":[],"UpdatedComments":[],"LastViewTime":null,"CanEdit":false,"CanPublish":false,"CanComment":false,"CanReadComments":false,"CanModerateComments":false}
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