Endurance riding
Standardbred Fan Club
Endurance riding is a real challenge filled with enjoyment and fun. This sport now surpasses Jumping and Eventing in riding popularity. Endurance riding is a true test of speed, soundness and good horsemanship for both the rider and the horse.
According to Endurance Canada:
"Endurance riding a non-Olympic FEI discipline is currently the fastest growing of all the equestrian sports around the world, "
Former Standardbred pacers are built solid and have lots of stamina which is a requirement for endurance riding. These horses love an adventure and are not squeamish by nature. They face the terrain and miles of trails with a work ethic that is astounding.
Standardbreds have become one of the most popular breeds for endurance racing. The horses trot or pace naturally for miles and the pacing gait is comfortable to ride for long periods of time. The Standardbred also has a calm, friendly, and loyal temperament. This horse is a born, bold, athlete that loves to work in partnership and are easy to train. When the going gets rough, the Standardbred tows the line. It's hard to beat a determined Standardbred horse in anything - they are bred to be athletes and that's what they excel at.
The Standardbred has a very good nature and is obedient. These are horses that love to be with their special someone and the longer the journey the better!
Patricia Clark speaks fondly of the former pacer race horse, Eli, that she adopted from the New Vocations Racehorse Adoption Program located in Kentucky, USA. The two soon began riding the trails and Eli showed that he was up to the endurance trail competitions where he soon shone.
Patricia explains "We did a year of LDs in 2010 and he completed his first 55 mile endurance ride at the end of that year. Now in 2016 we are looking at our 7th year of endurance competitions. As of January 2016 he has 980 Endurance miles including two 75 mile rides and a first in one of those. He also has 445 LD miles so one of these years we will actually win our LD medallion. He was the first recipient of the AERC High Mileage Standardbred Award in 2011 and in 2015 he was awarded the SERA 10 Consecutive Finishes Award."
Patricia's blog provides lots of good information for those interested in endurance riding.The Endurance Canada Facebook page is an excellent resource for endurance riding, horses and riders all across Canada.
Eventing is a similarly athletic and high stamina event. Retrained Standardbreds are showing that their
solid builds and dependable natures are to reckon with in the show ring. Having raced in their former careers the horses
are well aware of what competition is and they like to win!
Standardbred Fan Club member Maureen Chaffeys and her splendid horse live in New Zealand, the home of Event rider extraordinaire, Mark Todd. Maureen participated for the first time in Eventing and she came fourth with her talented Standie partner out of 32 for all three disciplines. Congratulations Maureen!
There are Endurance and Trail riding associations in most countries. A quick search on the internet will bring one near your location!
The Standardbred Fan Club is always looking for more information on Standardbreds. Although the club and site is entirely run by volunteer effort, input from members sure helps :) Send us your stories, successes, information. Join us for some Standardbred cameraderie! Membership is absolutely free.
