Getting Started

Getting Organised

All endurance events require pre-nomination, typically done via the AERAOnline website. A good place to find up-to-date information is the QERA Facebook page or Calendar to see what events are near you.

Once you nominate, you will receive a Horse Health Declaration form. You must complete this, including a temperature log, before arriving at the ride base.

Safety First: Helmets are compulsory at ALL times while mounted at an endurance event. Even if you are just hopping on to check your stirrup length at camp, you must wear an approved helmet.

Arrival & Camping

If the ride starts early, you will likely need to arrive the previous day. Endurance riders are a sociable bunch, and we love to relax around the campfire. Upon arrival, you will present your Health Declaration at the gate before setting up your horse’s yard and your own camp.

Hydration is key. Ensure your horse has plenty of water. If your horse is fussy about "foreign" water, it is a good idea to get it used to a little molasses in its water at home before the event.

Tip: A ride organiser will usually send you a schedule when you nominate. It will give you important information such as base opening time, nomination opening, pre-ride talk and ride start time.

Pre-Ride Procedures

Once you are settled, head to the ride secretary's tent to confirm your nomination and collect your Ride Bib. You must wear this bib at all times during the ride and whenever presenting your horse to the vets.

The Vet Check
All horses must pass a pre-ride vet check to ensure they are fit to start. This involves:

• ID Check: The Chief Steward will verify your horse’s identity and age.
• Metabolic Check: A TPR steward will record temperature and pulse rate.
• Vet Examination: A vet will check for hydration, gut sounds, and soreness.
• The Trot Out: You will trot your horse 40m out and back on a loose lead so the vet can check for lameness. Practise this at home! Your horse should trot willingly beside you.

Pre-Ride Briefing
Attendance is compulsory for introductory, intermediate and novice riders. The organising committee will discuss track conditions, safety, and—most importantly—tell you the colour of the arrows you need to follow!

The Ride

Introductory and Intermediate rides are non-competitive. There are no placings, and there is a minimum time set to ensure you do not ride too fast.

Ride at your own pace. You follow the arrows, call your bib number at checkpoints, and ensure your horse drinks at the water troughs along the track. Eventually, you will cross the finish line—but you aren't done yet!

Strapping & Finishing

You have a maximum of 30 minutes after finishing to present to the vets. In this time, you must "strap" your horse until its heart rate returns to under 55 beats per minute.

The Final Vet Check
This is identical to the pre-ride check (minus the temperature and ID check). The vet will check your horse’s metabolics and ask for one final trot out.

"Our golden rule is 'Fit to Continue'. At the end of a ride, your horse should be capable of heading out again."

If your horse is sound and passes the check—congratulations! You have successfully completed your first ride. If you unfortunately "vet out," try not to be too discouraged. It happens to everyone, even top-level riders. Our vets' primary concern is always the welfare of your horse.

Presentations

Stick around for the presentations to receive your completion award and logbook. It’s the perfect way to celebrate your achievement with your new endurance family.