Beginner endurance horses only go short distances
By Judy Evans
@JudyEv (326098)
Rockingham, Australia
April 4, 2022 8:25pm CST
One group of riders at the endurance ride held recently in Collie, Western Australia, rode only 20 kms. They left at the very respectable hour of 9 am. Most have only ridden a very few endurance rides. Some would not have had much experience riding through the bush or in open areas.
The beginners are easy to pick in a way as their horses are much fatter than those that are doing longer distances. They also took much longer to do the distance. In fact, they are given a minimum time to do the distance so that, in their inexperience, they don’t go too fast and stress their horses.
The photos are mine and show some of those who only did 20 kms.
13 people like this
13 responses
@FourWalls (62387)
• United States
5 Apr 22
The horse with rider #154 is GORGEOUS. What a magnificent animal!
2 people like this
@FourWalls (62387)
• United States
5 Apr 22
@JudyEv — ooh, I love the color!! Looks like a white chocolate-covered cookies & cream dish!
I guess living near Churchill Downs and hearing about nothing but horses for five-six months out of the year increases my interest in looking at horses. I can’t ride them anymore (last time I did I couldn’t walk for four days because of my back 
), but it’s a great way to enjoy scenery. I rode a horse in the Smoky Mountains many years ago (from a riding stable with a tour) and loved the daylights out of it.
), but it’s a great way to enjoy scenery. I rode a horse in the Smoky Mountains many years ago (from a riding stable with a tour) and loved the daylights out of it.1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326098)
• Rockingham, Australia
6 Apr 22
@FourWalls IN a few years, it will probably be pure white. It's like a rocking-horse dapple grey at the moment. It's a shame you can't ride anymore but what great memories you'd have. I spent hours in the saddle before I was married but not so much after although we eventually had two ponies in a carriage. We had some great outings with them too.
1 person likes this
@RebeccasFarm (86838)
• United States
5 Apr 22
I doubt I would have the endurance to do that at this time, as much as I love the horses.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95596)
• Marion, Ohio
5 Apr 22
They all look happy except the last horse. Those ears say a lot
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (95596)
• Marion, Ohio
5 Apr 22
@JudyEv He does look a lot better there.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137142)
• United States
5 Apr 22
I'm glad they are given a minimum time to complete the ride. I'd hate to think what some of them might do to their horses, otherwise.
1 person likes this
@DaddyEvil (137142)
• United States
5 Apr 22
@JudyEv That's good. I'm glad they aren't allowed to hurt the horses.
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@JudyEv (326098)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Apr 22
They don't get the chance to abuse their horses. One girl came in a bit early to the checkpoint but they held her there for longer and had a 'talk' about not going too fast. If they overdo the speed, they'd get vetted out at the finish. They all learn after a few rides.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (157016)
• United States
5 Apr 22
Great pix and some fine looking horses. It's nice that there are opportunities for beginners to take part in the endurance rides.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (326098)
• Rockingham, Australia
5 Apr 22
A lot of them will. They will learn more about getting the horses fit, etc, before tackling longer distances.
@JimBo452020 (42629)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 22
Animal and rider welfare is important
Sounds like this is a sport which is concerned about both
1 person likes this
@JimBo452020 (42629)
• United Kingdom
5 Apr 22
@JudyEv
A different type of thermometer...
1 person likes this
