Here you will find some frequently asked questions, which will help you if you are new to endurance or want to enter your first ride. If there are any other questions that you have, please feel free to contact us and we can include them here too!

What is endurance riding?
Endurance or pleasure riding involves riding along a set route varying in distance from 10 miles (16 km) to 100 miles (160 km) in one or more days depending on the distance. All rides are well marked out and you are provided with a map to follow also.

Where are the rides?
We have rides located throughout Derbyshire to cater for most areas. All rides have excellent parking facilities and make the most of the beautiful countryside and bridleway network. Our group also has access to rides throughout Nottinghamshire for those wanting to explore more new areas. Please visit our events page for details.

How much do the rides cost to enter?
Derbyshire Group rides cost £8 for EGB and Associate members or £13 for non-members. The entry fee includes temporary day membership of EGB.

What do I get if I join the Derbyshire EGB Group?
You can join our group as an Associate Member of EGB for just £17 annual membership or £22 family membership and this will provide you with the following benefits:

• Reduced entry fees for all rides in Derbyshire
• Quarterly newsletter providing information on rides, news articles, hints & tips
• EGB Magazine and the Ride Programme and Members Handbook.
• Reduced entry fees for all rides in Derbyshire
• Opportunity to win awards at our end of year Awards Event, where trophys and rosettes can be won. You will receive a mileage card for you to log your rides onto and hand in for awards at the end of the season.

What happens if I am an Associate Member and want to convert to being a full member of EGB?
You should apply and tell the main EGB office that you have been Associate Member and this will qualify you for a 50% reduction in the joining fee.

Do I need an arab to take part?
No. You will find a lot of people riding Arabs in endurance riding but you certainly do not need to own one to be successful in endurance riding. For the lower distances and pleasure rides you will see many different breeds doing well including, cobs, natives and general riding horses.

What equipment or tack do I need?
You do not need any special equipment or tack, just use your normal riding wear and your horses normal saddle and bridle.

What are the different types of ride and what is involved?

Pleasure Rides
Rides up to 32 km/20 miles open to all riders with a horse of 4 or more years of age.  There is a minimum and a maximum speed range, to ensure that helpers at the ride are not waiting for long periods of time for people to return. Riders are required to present their horse to the vet at the beginning and end of the ride in the interests of the horse's welfare to ensure it is sound. You will be asked to simply trot the horse up and down in front of the vet.

Set Speed Rides (SS)
These vary in distance from 30 to 80 km/20 to 50 miles. They have a minimum and a maximum completion time, with the horses being vetted before, during and after the ride depending on the total distance covered. See below for details on the vetting procedure.

Competitive Rides (CR)
These vary in distance from 30 to 80 km/20 to 50 miles. They have a minimum and a maximum completion time, with the horses being vetted before, during and after the ride depending on the total distance covered.  Awards are presented depending on how well the horse has completed the ride in relation to his physical well being.

Endurance Rides (ER)
These are rides of 65 to 160 km/40 to 100 miles in a day or 80 to to160km in 2 days.  There is a minimum completion speed but no maximum speed. Horses are vetted before and after the ride as well as at intervals along the ride.  The winner is the first person to pass the finish line and pass the vet check within 20 to 30 minutes of finishing.

What does vetting entail?
The vetting procedure will vary depending on the class you enter. For pleasure rides there is a simple trot up to ensure the horse is sound fit to start and fit on completion of the ride. This is done before the ride and 20 – 30 minutes from when you complete the ride.

For Set Speed and Graded rides the vetting entails a trot up, pulse check with a max pulse rate of 64, check of the horse for lesions or sores, pinch test for hydration and gut sounds check. 

For Endurance Rides the same procedure is used as for Set Speed and Graded rides, however the heart rate is tested slightly differently. An initial check is carried out and then the horse is trotted away 30 meters and back and the pulse retaken after 1 minute from when the horse trotted away.  The first heart rate must be 56 beats per minute or lower for rides of less than 80km and 64 beats per minute for rides of 80 km or longer. This test is used as an indication of how well the horse is coping with the ride along with the other metabolic indicators in deciding if the horse can continue. 

Do I have to become a member to enter rides?
No but your ride entry fees will be slightly higher, so it is worth considering joining as you will get your money back through cheaper ride entry costs.

How will I find my way around the route?
Each ride is marked out using either tape or sprayed arrows on the ground. Ride organisers put a lot of effort into ensuring that riders can find the way easily. You will also be provided with a section of the Ordnance Survey map to use as a reference point and back up.

What happens if I get lost on the ride?
Ride organisers put a lot of effort into ensuring that riders can find the way easily. In the unlikely event that you loose your way or have not seen a marker for a while, we recommend you turn around and head back to the last marker point you remember seeing and try again in case you missed a marker. Don’t forget that you also have your map to help too. If all else fails, we issue every rider with the ride organisers mobile telephone number before they set off, please call and we will guide you back on route.

I don’t want to ride on my own, can I team up with someone?
Yes, please let us know in advance or with your ride entry form that you would like to pair up with someone and we will help you out. The Derbyshire Group have been in existence for many years and have lot’s of experienced riders and horses who are more than willing to help.

Contact us for the latest ride information