endurance

You can do some non-competitive rides (NCR) to see if you like it. I did some a couple of years ago and they were great. You get your horse seen by a vet before and after (trot up and wind/heart rate check) just like the competitors and everyone was really friendly.

I'm going to do some more this year.
 
If you want a bargainous way of getting started, you can become an associate member of EGB for just £19 and ride at the informal training and social rides at the equivalent of members' rates. It will have paid for itself with the money you'll save within 3 or 4 rides, and you'll get all the newsletters and the national omnibus etc too. Might be worth a bash to see if you like it? You don't have to be mega fit to do the social/training rides, any horse that's fit enough to do a couple of hours steady hacking should be able to cope easily.

A word of warning though - endurance is seriously addictive. I got involved in '96 and haven't looked back. It's great fun, you meet lovely people who will become your best friends and family, and life will never be the same again ;)
 
I did a ride in the Borders in October, my first, I have NEVER come accross such bitter and twisted old bats in my life!! I did it with a friend of yours Esther!! I was not welcomed at all!! We did it in time, and a heart rate of 38. Not bad for a first attempt, mind you only 25k. I wont do it again as I felt like an outsider, lol.
 
I did a ride in the Borders in October, my first, I have NEVER come accross such bitter and twisted old bats in my life!! I did it with a friend of yours Esther!! I was not welcomed at all!! We did it in time, and a heart rate of 38. Not bad for a first attempt, mind you only 25k. I wont do it again as I felt like an outsider, lol.

That's a comment I could echo about the Galloway branch - or at least it was a few years ago. However, after several years of avoiding endurance like the plague, I was persuaded by a friend to go to broughton last year which was organised by the Lothians branch. I found them to be very friendly and welcoming and I had a great time. I may venture out again this year!
 
That's a comment I could echo about the Galloway branch - or at least it was a few years ago. However, after several years of avoiding endurance like the plague, I was persuaded by a friend to go to broughton last year which was organised by the Lothians branch. I found them to be very friendly and welcoming and I had a great time. I may venture out again this year!

But, but, it was the Cumbrians that were so unpleasant. For years I did the burger van at the cumbrian events. Then when I turned up at an event, pleasure ride, they were horrid!!! I couldnt believe it. They liked me when I gave them bacon rolls, then I turn up on the most lovely Arab, that can do a hundred miler, not with me on I hasten to add!! They looked at me like I was from another world. Good, I didnt like them anyway!! I also didnt wear glasses, or have grey hair!! Horrid old wemen.
 
Ouch Pastie 2 when you say borders do you mean the Borders the real english scottish borders, i am from there dont endurance but i am shocked if this was the area and you were treated like this.

I have considered it but must get my torture instruments ready first if this is the case.

If not come to the real borders country and do some of the common ridings not that different from all that more horses more furious more fun more friendly.

And shame on the old hags who were so unpleasent.:)
 
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