Non Competitive Rides (NCRs), sometimes called training/social or pleasure rides, may be of distances up to 40 km. Open to non-members they must be completed at 8 km/hr minimum speed and 12 km/hr maximum speed. When run in conjunction with competitive rides horses must be trotted up before and after within 30 minutes after completion of the ride.

Competitive Rides (CRs) are between 30-80 km. Speed varies between 8-18 km/hr with restrictions on higher speeds for novice horses and lower speeds for more advanced combinations. Horses must comply with set veterinary parameters to successfully complete the ride.

Endurance Rides (ERs), these are only for advanced horse and rider combinations. They are the hardest test for both. All FEI and International competitions are ERs, but there are also many ERs on the National calendar. 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 80 –160 km in a day or longer over several days.