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Worldwide, competitive trail riding is a separate equestrian sport with a wide following. In South Africa, it has been more closely related to endurance, often seen as a training ground for endurance horses and riders – an opportunity to “learn the ropes”. Competitive trail riding is currently being reintroduced to riders by the Randfontein Endurance Club.
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A group of riders at the Randfontein ride last year (Photograph courtesy of Stephan Krüger) |
Endurance riding is all about the race – the fastest, fi ttest horse wins. It is highly competitive with checks in place to ensure the safety of both horses and competitors. Competitive trail riding is focused on horsemanship, rather than just speed. The distances can be just as long as endurance races, but the focus is not on who crosses the line fi rst. Riders are required to pace their ride to their nominated speed. The veterinary scores analyse the fi tness and condition of the horse from hoof to tail. The horsemanship judging looks at the riders’ control and preparedness. Caring for your equipment and having the right tack, is essential in long-distance riding of any sort.
Pacing the ride
Even so, the most important aspect is being able to judge the
speed your horse is travelling at. By nominating a speed up
front, you need to be sure of your horse’s fi tness levels and
then ride accordingly. Since the veterinary scores are directly
related to fi tness, if you override or your horse is not fi t enough,
you will lose points or be eliminated. Any well-prepared horse
can perform well under these circumstances.
This does not mean that conformation and breeding are
not important – in international competition, the distances
covered are similar to endurance. So, even if your horse is not
fast, he will still need to be sound of wind and hoof, fi t and
prepared to take on a trail ride.
The international scene
Most competitive trail associations are found in America and
Canada. New Zealand combines competitive trail riding with
endurance in a single association. Rides can be from one to
three days long. Pre-vetting and a ride briefi ng takes place
before the start of the ride. Rides may include judged obstacles
and the speed and gait is set by the rider. Vet-checks are done
at points en route and riders may stop at any point except
for the last kilometre or two, where forward motion must be
maintained. Horsemanship judges may check campsites for
safety and care of the horse.
The local scene
In South Africa, the focus is still on enjoying the ride. Many
see it as a “fun ride” or the best introduction to endurance. The
competitive nature of the sport can be developed over time.
Randfontein Endurance Club hosted a 40 km ride last year.
The ride was split into two legs of 20 km each. Thirty-nine riders attended the ride, including veteran and experienced
endurance riders such as Ami de Wet. Off to a late start, the
riders were impressed with the well-marked course with
mostly soft going with few rocks or holes.
The first-place winners were:
- Senior (overall): Jane Statt
- Junior (overall): Abri Bezuidenhout
- Senior vet: Kobie Smit
- Senior time: Raymond Botha
- Senior horsemanship: Lara Christie
- Junior vet: Abri Bezuidenhout
- Junior time: Junior Villet
- Junior horsemanship: Abri Bezuidenhout.
For riders interested in trying out the sport, the next ride will
be held early in 2011.
For more information, contact Randfontein club secretary, Nici Carr, on 082 879 5627, or Ryno Claasens on 084 700 2581.
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