E.R.A.B.C. is a non-profit organization with regional directors, dedicated to education and trail preservation. It is the fund-raising  and organizational body for B.C. riders at the International Level of Competition.

   The following has been taken from the American Endurance Ride Conference Rule Book, and the AERC Endurance Riders Handbook.

1.   An Endurance Ride is a competition involving the successful completion of a course of at least 50 miles in length in a single day. (Introductory Non AERC sanctioned rides of 12 and 25 miles are often held in conjunction with sanctioned rides.)
2.   The horses must be under the control of veterinarians experienced with horses and/or endurance rides.
3.   The ride must be open to any breed or type of horse or mule.
4.   Equines entered in the ride must be at least 60 months old (i.e. five years old).
5.   There is no minimum time for completion.  Maximum times are 12 hours for 50 mile rides, 24 hours for 100 mile rides, intermediate distances determined accordingly.  These times refer to elapsed riding time, and including hold times.   "Riding Time" refers to the time taken to complete the course, excludes hold times, and is the time used to determine ride results.
6.   All riders who successfully complete the ride must receive an award.

7.   The winner is the rider who successfully completes the ride in the fastest time.
8.   An award must be available for the horse judged to be in the Best Condition.
9.   A Junior rider is a rider under the age of 16 as of the first day of the competitive season (1 December).  All Juniors must be accompanied by an adult throughout the ride, and must wear an approved helmet.  Juniors compete in their own division.
10.  The adminisstration of abnormal substances (Drugs), or normal substances in abnormal amount is strictly prohibited.

   Although a sanctioned Endurance Ride is a race over a minimum distance of 50 miles, generating excitement (especially at the start and finish), ride strategy and pacing play an important part of successfully completing a ride.  Terrain, climate, and your horse's condition (as well as your own) are all factors that should be taken into concideration.  Being able to estimate your horse's pulse and respiration (and knowing the time it takes your horse to recover to the recommended parameters of P&R) is an asset well worth practicing.  Knowing you are about to enter a Vet Check (spaced throughout the ride to monitor the horse's condition) judge your horse's P&R and pace yourself accordingly.

Quarterly Newsletters
Year-End Highpoint Awards
Accumulated Mileage Awards
Memberships: $15 Senior, $7.50 Junior,
$30 Family, HCBC mandatory

For More Information:
Terre O'Brennan
1624 Duncan Drive, Delta, B.C. V4L 1S2

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