Endurance rules
EFP is a national governing and record-keeping body for long distance horse riding. Over the years, it has developed a uniform set of rules and guidelines designed to provide a standardized format and strict veterinary controls. At the same time, it has striven to avoid the rigidity and complexity that characterize the rule books of many other equine organizations, and has in fact encouraged individualism in its members and diversity in its competitions. Basically, rides sanctioned by the EFP must abide by the following simple rules:
- The ride must be at least 50 miles in length per day. (A limited distance ride must be at least 25 miles in length per day.)
- The horses must be under the control of control judges experienced with horses or endurance rides. (Note: Control judges are persons that have graduated with a Degree in Veterinary Medicine from an institution of recognized standing. A control judge will provide judgment as to an equine’s ability to remain in competition. Control judges are not to provide a diagnosis and will refer equines identified as requiring diagnostics to a veterinarian legally licensed to practice. A control judge who is also a veterinarian legally licensed to practice may perform concurrent duties outside the role of control judge such as providing a diagnosis and/or medical treatment)
- The ride must be open to any breed or type of horse or mule
- To compete in rides of 50 miles or longer, horses must be at least five years (60 months) old—with one exception: horses competing in one-day 100 mile rides must be six years (72 months) old. Limited distance horses must be at least four years (48 months) old
- There is no minimum time limit for completion
- All riders who successfully complete the ride must receive an award. (Completion includes passing a post-ride control exam where the horse must be judged fit to continue)
- The winner is the rider and horse team who successfully completes the ride in the fastest time, provided the horse passes the final control exam. In the limited distance ride, the winner is the horse that reaches pulse criteria first and passes the post-ride control exam
- An award must be available for the horse judged to be in the Best Condition. (For limited distance rides, a Best Condition award may be available)
