endurance riding history

Endurance riding is a competitive sport that traces its origins to ancient Middle Eastern cultures, where riders traveled long distances on horseback for communication and trade. It evolved into a formal sport in the 20th century, emphasizing the horse’s stamina, health, and the rider’s skill over distances typically of 50 to 100 miles in a day. The sport gained international recognition through organizations like the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) and the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC). Today, endurance riding combines athletic endurance, horsemanship, and careful management, celebrating the strong partnership between horse and rider over extended distances.