ENDURANCE
Monika Smith
was Chef
d’Équipe for Team Canada – Endurance – at the 2004
World Endurance Championships in Dubai, UAE. Her
credentials and experience extend well beyond that
highlight, making her an excellent candidate to
provide insight into the world of Endurance riding.
WHAT'S THE PLAN?
“Essentially, Endurance Riding pits rider and horse
against a prescribed and variable course of (in the
case of the FEI World Equestrian Games) 100 miles
(160km), in one day. As long as the horse has been
deemed ‘fit to continue’ by the veterinarian judges,
the first to cross the finish line is declared the
winner. The sport is veterinarian-controlled; that
is, a horse cannot ‘place’ at the end of the ride,
or continue during the ride, if it does not meet the
established veterinarian criteria. Endurance Riding
emphasizes the welfare of the horse first and
foremost, followed by both horsemanship and
sportsmanship,” Monika said.
From Aachen, the 160km Endurance track goes through
three countries: Germany, Belgium and the
Netherlands. The terrain will be mostly farming
roads, grass and sand tracks, a few asphalt roads
over undulating and hilly countryside. The altitude
will vary from 150 to 340 metres (492 to 1,116 feet
above sea level). There will be five compulsory
halts (“Vet-Gates”) where the horses are monitored
by veterinarians following mandatory 30 to 50 minute
rest periods.
“At the World Endurance Championship in Dubai,
January 2005, two horses completed 100 miles in just
over 7 hours. Certainly, the conditions were
perfect for speed—moderate temperatures, low
humidity, just above sea level and no elevation
change worth noting— and over 20 horses were able to
complete the course in 9 hours or less. Compared to
the previous world event times, this was an
eye-opener, and begs the question: just how fast can
an Endurance horse go, given the right conditions
and the training for specific conditions? And, will
we in Canada be able to compete? (Note: Canada was
one of only four teams to complete the World
Championships in Dubai 2005.)
“In Canada there is undoubtedly room for improvement
at the international level. And that is stated
knowing just how hard individuals have to work,
often alone and independently, to attain some very
good speeds on technically challenging courses and
in less than optimal weather. This is in contrast
to the wealthier, more ‘professional’ approach of
some countries, where sophisticated national
training facilities and programs are now the norm.
It is anticipated that, at the World Equestrian
Games in Aachen, Canadian horses will fare well as
the most of the Team riders are experienced and the
environment is similar to what we have at home. The
speeds will not rival those of the 2005 World
Championships; the terrain and technical nature of
the course will dictate a somewhat slower pace.”
Roxy Bell, DVM, a competitor herself at lower levels
and assistant veterinarian to the Canadian team,
said, “This is a great opportunity for us to improve
our international standing. At previous World
Equestrian Games, we leased horses due to the cost
of shipping. At this WEG, the riders will be on
their own horses, and they are good horses.
We have Canadian-bred talent – both horses and
riders.”
Roxy and Monika agree about the highlights of the
competition. “Watching 200 horses start en mass in
the early dawn (06:00 from Aachen Soers), moving out
in the big trot and ground-covering canter that
endurance horses are recognized for, and as the sun
comes up, watching the horses head for the next vet
gate, ears up and tails flying…. riders relaxed with
water bottles, sponges, sunglasses ….” Monika said
is an awe-inspiring sight.
There is no mandatory maximum speed, but the minimum
(average) speed will be 12 kilometres per hour (7.5
miles per hour). Each horse must carry a minimum
weight of 75kg (165 pounds) including rider,
clothing and minimum tack.
Roxy said that strategy plays a pivotal role in the
competition. “Riders have to conserve the horse so
that it can finish. You don’t want to be a front
runner unless you are extremely confident that you
have the best horse. You have to adapt to the
conditions of the day and should listen to the
advice from veterinarians and coaches.
“The Canadian team members have to be aware of other
team mates. They will preserve their horses so that
they get a team finish – a strategy that has worked
for them in the past.”
HOW IT'S SCORED
Each competing nation may send a maximum of five
competitors with six horses (all of whom must be at
least seven years old), of which three or four
riders / horses may participate as a team. The Chef
d’Équipe will declare the team members after the
initial horse inspection. The object is to complete
the entire 160 km course in the best possible time.
DETERMINING THE FEI WORLD TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
The winning team is the team with the best combined
time of its top three placing competitors. In the
case of a tie, the winning team will be the one
whose third competitor had the best time. FEI Medals
will be awarded for 1st to 3rd
place and there is
€ 35,000 in prize money to be distributed.
DETERMINING THE FEI WORLD INDIVIDUAL CHAMPIONSHIP
The Individual Champion will be the rider/horse who
completes the entire course in the fastest time. FEI
Medals will be awarded for 1st to 3rd
place and there is
€ 35,000 in prize money to be distributed.
SPECIAL AWARD
In addition, the horse completing the course and
meeting the criteria for the “Best Conditioned”
animal will receive the Best Condition Award and
€
5,000. Only the top ten finishers are eligible.
For additional information see
www.canadianequestrianteam.ca
For details on the official rules governing this
competition, please see
www.horsesport.org/ “Rules & Regulations”.
