Non Competitive Rides (NCRs)

sometimes called training, pleasure or social rides may be of distances up to 40 km. Open to non-members these rides must be completed at between 8 km/hr and 12 km/hr. When run in conjunction with competitive rides, horses must be trotted up before starting and again within 20 minutes of finishing.

Competitive Rides (CRs)

are usually between 30-80 km, though longer rides may occasionally be on the calendar. Speeds vary between 8-18 km/hr with restrictions on higher speeds for novice horses and lower speeds for more advanced combinations. There are veterinary inspections before the start and at the end of the ride and, for rides of 55km and above, also at halfway.  Horses must comply with set veterinary parameters to successfully complete the ride, and may be eliminated at the final veterinary inspection if, in the opinion of the veterinary panel, they are not fit to continue.  Grades (from 1 to 4 and Completion) are awarded dependent upon passing the vet inspections, finishing within the appropriate speed parameters and upon the horse’s final heart rate.

Endurance Rides (ERs)

are only for advanced horse and rider combinations. They are the hardest test for both. All FEI and International competitions are ERs and there are many ERs on the national calendar too. They usually begin with a mass start, and the riders aim to cover the distance as fast as they can, taking into account the terrain and welfare of their horse. During the Ride the rider will be required to present their horse to the vet at various set intervals to be checked as fit to continue. Following this are rest periods called "holds" where the horse and rider can eat and take a breather before continuing. Many riders’ ultimate goal is the successful completion of an Endurance Ride. These vary from 65–160 km in a day or longer over several days.

Note for Non-Members

All riders who are not members of EGB or SERC must enter rides (whether riding under EGB or FEI rules) as a ‘Temporary Day Member’ of EGB.

Non-members may only ride up to and including 40km at Novice Level. The horse does not have to be registered. Overseas riders may ride at distances greater than 40km proving they have permission from their National Federaration.