Types of Rides
There are multiple distances and types of rides. The following is a brief explanation of the common types of rides. For more information, see the Ride Manger's Handbook (page 3).
Limited Distance (LD) - These rides are from 25 to 35 miles long. Though not a part of the original endurance scene, they were initially introduced as "introductory" rides with similar rules and procedures as the full endurance rides. However, they have become very popular and many people, including veteran riders, choose to do LD rides for various reasons. Some reasons include horse ability, rider ability, or simply convenience. There is typically one hold mid-ride. The time limit for an 25-mile ride is 6 hours (including holds), with an additional hour and fifteen minutes allotted for every five additional miles above 25 (up to 35 miles in 8 1/2 hours). Riders are placed in the order that they "pulse down" (assuming they are deemed "fit to continue"). Your horse must be at least 4 years old (by its actual birth date) in order to be entered, though many veteran riders recommend waiting until your horse is older.
One-Day Rides - These are a minimum of 50 miles and can be up ton 100 miles in length. You have 12 hours to complete a 50-mile ride with an additional hour and fifteen minutes allotted for every five additional miles above 50 (up to 100 miles in 24 hours). Your horse must be at least 5 years old (by its actual birth date) to enter an endurance ride, and must be at least 6 years old to enter a 100-mile ride.
Elevator Rides - If a ride is sanctioned for multiple distances, it may offer the option to "elevate" ONCE to a higher distance upon completion of a lower distance. This will be advertised with the ride information. However, you are no longer considered a starter or finisher in the shorter distance (only the longer distance) and must complete the longer distance in order to receive credit for the ride. In addition, you forfeit points or placement and will receive a "completion only". This ensures fair competition for the other riders who planned on doing the longer distance.
Two-Day Rides - Some 100's can be completed in two consecutive days, with 50 miles on each day completed in 12 hours. You must complete both days in order to receive any credit for the ride.
Multi-Day Rides - Some rides offer multiple consecutive days of riding. Most of these all begin and in the same location, but some are "point-to-point" (the starting line is in one location and the finish line is in another). Each day is considered a separate ride and you may enter one, some, or all of the days. In addition, while the same horse and rider must complete an individual ride, the horse/rider may switch for each day of the ride (in other words, you can ride a different horse each day). Sometimes, special awards, such as an "Overall Best Condition", are awarded to horses and/or riders who complete every day.
Limited Distance (LD) - These rides are from 25 to 35 miles long. Though not a part of the original endurance scene, they were initially introduced as "introductory" rides with similar rules and procedures as the full endurance rides. However, they have become very popular and many people, including veteran riders, choose to do LD rides for various reasons. Some reasons include horse ability, rider ability, or simply convenience. There is typically one hold mid-ride. The time limit for an 25-mile ride is 6 hours (including holds), with an additional hour and fifteen minutes allotted for every five additional miles above 25 (up to 35 miles in 8 1/2 hours). Riders are placed in the order that they "pulse down" (assuming they are deemed "fit to continue"). Your horse must be at least 4 years old (by its actual birth date) in order to be entered, though many veteran riders recommend waiting until your horse is older.
One-Day Rides - These are a minimum of 50 miles and can be up ton 100 miles in length. You have 12 hours to complete a 50-mile ride with an additional hour and fifteen minutes allotted for every five additional miles above 50 (up to 100 miles in 24 hours). Your horse must be at least 5 years old (by its actual birth date) to enter an endurance ride, and must be at least 6 years old to enter a 100-mile ride.
Elevator Rides - If a ride is sanctioned for multiple distances, it may offer the option to "elevate" ONCE to a higher distance upon completion of a lower distance. This will be advertised with the ride information. However, you are no longer considered a starter or finisher in the shorter distance (only the longer distance) and must complete the longer distance in order to receive credit for the ride. In addition, you forfeit points or placement and will receive a "completion only". This ensures fair competition for the other riders who planned on doing the longer distance.
Two-Day Rides - Some 100's can be completed in two consecutive days, with 50 miles on each day completed in 12 hours. You must complete both days in order to receive any credit for the ride.
Multi-Day Rides - Some rides offer multiple consecutive days of riding. Most of these all begin and in the same location, but some are "point-to-point" (the starting line is in one location and the finish line is in another). Each day is considered a separate ride and you may enter one, some, or all of the days. In addition, while the same horse and rider must complete an individual ride, the horse/rider may switch for each day of the ride (in other words, you can ride a different horse each day). Sometimes, special awards, such as an "Overall Best Condition", are awarded to horses and/or riders who complete every day.