Versatility Showcase - Competitive Trail & Endurance

The sport of competitive distance riding has its origins in the military's five-day, 300-mile test, designed to determine the most suitable horses to be used for the cavalry. Probably the oldest 3-day ride still in existence would be the Vermont 3-day 100-mile, which will be celebrating its 72nd anniversary this fall.

Endurance and competitive trail (CTR) share many common facets; however, CTR is a timed event, where all competitors compete over a marked trail within a set time. Endurance is an actual race, where placings are made in order of finish. Endurance can be ridden simply for a mileage completion, as well. Both sports emphasize the safety, health, and well-being of the horse as paramount. Good horsemanship is critical.
Camaraderie, good sportsmanship, and the thrill of covering mile after mile on your well-conditioned horse are hallmarks of these sports.

There are many distance-riding organizations in the United States. The foremost endurance organization is the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC), which sanctions all endurance rides in the country.

The largest CTR organization is the North American Trail Ride Conference (NATRC), which covers competitions over most of the country. The Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Association (ECTRA) sanctions rides on the east coast. In addition, there are smaller organizations, such as UMECTRA and SEDRA. All of these organizations track and record horse and member lifetime mileage, and most give year-end awards.

Morgans are well suited to distance riding because of their great physical endurance, heart and strength, good sense, excellent feet, and sturdy bone structure. Their hearty appetites are a plus! Management techniques for a heavier bodied Morgan may be different than that used for a lighter weight breed, but Morgans can and do shine in the distance riding world!

Endurance rides start at a minimum of 50 miles, and go up to a one-day 100. AERC also sanctions limited distance rides of 25 and 30 miles. These shorter rides are a good way for a beginner rider or a rookie horse to try the sport.

CTR rides start at a minimum of 25 miles, and can go up to a three-day 100-mile ride. There are also clinics of 15 miles, which (like the endurance limited distance rides) are an excellent way to try the sport. ECTRA also sanctions CTR drives, which follow similar rules and offer multiple mileage options, often offered in conjunction with CTR rides.

Key to both sports is adequate and proper conditioning, top nutritional support, and metabolic management. No specific type or style of tack is required. A comfortable, well-fitting saddle that works for both the rider and the horse is all you need. All the organizations ban medications and performance-enhancing drugs. If you are looking for a wonderful sport that offers an intellectual and physical challenge; the opportunity to travel and camp with your horse; ride on beautiful marked trails; and enjoy the company of other dedicated horse people, then you might well consider distance riding with your Morgan! Remember-to finish is to win!

Don't let your successes in endurance or CTR competitions go unrewarded.
As an AMHA member, you can join our Open Competition Program and earn year-end awards for your miles and placings. AMHA also offers medallions for lifetime achievements. More information is available on these programs at this address:
http://www.morganhorse.com/benefits/programs_competition.php

AMHA also offers competition awards for high-scoring Morgan horses at individual competitions. Find more information at the link below.
http://www.morganhorse.com/benefits/awards.php

More information on these sports is available at www.aerc.org (endurance) www.natrc.org (competitive trail) www.ectra.org (competitive trail - eastern USA).

Photo: In 2006, Esther Fiddes and LBF Hickory Smoke completed their 1,000 ECTRA miles and earned a silver middle distance award and Champion Morgan award in ECTRA.