An introduction to endurance, by leading rider Katie Bedwin

 

Endurance riding is my passion, and the competitive events themselves are the culmination of a great deal of time spent training and developing relationships with my horses. The discipline is essentially long-distance riding, at a set speed – for me, it’s all about enjoying the experience and the connection with the horse I’m riding, and enjoying the results of all of our training. Finishing is the real prize, although accolades like being the current Reserve Young Rider National Champion are always lovely! Distances of the competitions vary, and can include anything from 20 miles to 100 miles-plus. So there’s something for everyone, as well as pleasure rides, if you want to try the concept out in a more relaxed environment.

The idea is to complete the full distance as quickly as you can, passing the mandatory vet checks, and crossing the line with the horse in full health. It’s a fine balancing act, both on the day, and in your preceding training! Endurance riding is fun though, allows you to experience beautiful countryside – a recent UK event was the Tilford ride in Farnham, Surrey, which takes you through heathland, pine forest, along some challenging stony paths, and up to the glorious Devils Punchbowl, beneath the San Gabriel Mountains.

 

The requirements

So, what do you need to contest endurance? Your horse ideally needs to be a good all-rounder. Correct limb formation to avoid strains, a well-muscled back and deep chest for physical resilience, strong quarters, well-proportioned hooves, a nice temperament and a rhythmical gait are all desirable traits.

Training wise, your horse needs to be fit for the duration of ride – even a shorter ride of 20 miles can take around three hours. I advocate cross training, e.g. doing multi-discipline work with my horses – they do cross country schooling, jumping and polework, as well as lots of flatwork to develop suppleness and balance. I have always incorporated a wide variety of activities into my training programmes, as I believe it can significantly improve performance; partly as it works different muscle groups and skillsets, and decreases the risk of repetitive strain, but also as this variety is fun, and improves a horse’s attitude to work.

In terms of the rider, you do of course need the same relative level of fitness as your horse – e.g. most averagely fit riders could manage a 20k ride, however as you start tackling the more challenging rides, you do need to develop your own stamina and fitness, as well as your core strength and mobility.

Comfort is key

As an endurance rider, comfort in the saddle is key – my first post-lockdown endurance competition was an 80km ride in the 34 degree heat! – so clothing wise, I do like to have suitable underwear, beneath breathable, comfy riding wear. The Derriere Padded Panties are great, as you can just forget about your clothing and focus on the ride, rather than worrying about chaffing or discomfort. Equally a good bra like the brand’s Sportief is advisable, as a good sports bra aids shoulder position when riding. It allows you to relax and ‘free up’ the area, rather than ‘hunching’ subconsciously to avoid breast ‘bounce’, which can be tiring over long distances. The Derriere Equestrian Sportief sports bra is designed to shape and support a woman's breasts, without the use of under-wires, so is great addition to your riding wardrobe, whatever your riding discipline.

 

 

Nurse Katie Bedwin is a leading British endurance rider, with six 2019 national titles to her name. She was ranked as the second-placed GB rider in the FEI U21 rankings, and was Reserve Young Rider National Champion last year with Aberllwyd Ibn Phariz, at the 120km 2 star. Katie’s plans for the remainder of 2020 and 2021, when she will compete as a senior rider, are to continue contesting graded endurance rides at her level, and train for and compete at a 160km three star with Phariz. Visit - https://www.facebook.com/katiebedwinendurance

According to the governing body Endurance GB, the organisation continues to move towards resumption of endurance riding in England and Wales, in line with guidance issued by the Government and British Equestrian, and is now running social rides and Graded Endurance Rides. Visit - https://egb.myclubhouse.co.uk/