So you think you would like to give endurance a try? Here are some pointers on where to start and whats involved to help you on your journey to become an endurance rider! There are of course many other ways you can get started or become involved so please use this as a guide only and make sure to ask questions if you are unsure of something.

STEP 1: SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE 2 x 40km RIDES
To start out with you can enter 20km and 40km rides on day membership - this means there are no costs involved bar your ride entry on the day of the ride. To find out what rides you might like to attend have a look at the link Ride Calendar and pick rides that are close enough for you to attend. You can take your own horse or you can ask the ride organizer if they may know someone that would have a horse you can ride. Don't feel shy about asking questions - just email or call any contact on this website and we will all be happy to answer your questions and help you along.

STEP 2: BECOME A NOVICE MEMBER OF THE QUEENSLAND ENDURANCE RIDERS ASSOCIATION
Once you have successfully completed 2 x 40km training rides you will be allowed to compete in 80km rides - but to do this you must be a member of QERA. Membership forms can be found by following the link Forms on this website. You will need to photocopy the results of your 2 rides and send those with your membership application as proof of your successful completions. Within about 10days you will receive your Novice Membership Card, as well as a copy of the QERA rule book. Make sure to read that one so you understand what the rules and recommendations for endurance riders are. If you have been competing your own horse you will now also need to arrange a logbook for him. This is like your membership card and will allow your horse to enter rides of 80km's.

STEP 3: SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE 3 x 80km NOVICE RIDES
The next step in your journey is to learn how to manage a horse over long distances. This is why you will need to complete 3 x 80km rides with novice time restrictions applied. The speed you are allowed to ride will be advised in the pre ride talk - it is important that you attend these talks or you may be disqualified from riding. Take this time not to think about your position in the field or what place you are going to come, but rather in learning about your horse - what it feels like when he gets tired, what he should be doing throughout the ride to remain healthy and sound, what other riders are doing and how they are riding in the different terrains, learn as much as you can, talk to as many people as you can.

STEP 4: UPGRADE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO OPEN RIDER - YOU ARE NOW READY TO COMPETE IN ANY DISTANCE RIDE!
Once you have successfully completed 3 x 80km rides at novice pace you are deemed experienced enough to manage the horses that you ride at any speed. You will need to send your novice membership card back to the QERA Registrar along with photocopied proof of your 3 successful 80km ride completions. You will then be sent a new card that says you are an open rider - now the skies your limit and you can compete in any ride distance, at whatever speed you deem your horse and yourself fit enough for.

STEP 5: YOU CAN NOW DECIDE WHERE YOU WOULD LIKE TO GO IN ENDURANCE - FEI COMPETITION - TOM QUILTY - JOIN THE AUSTRALIAN ENDURANCE SQUAD - OR JUST HAVE FUN ON YOUR HORSE.
Some areas of endurance require further qualification from either yourself or your horse before you can enter. Once you have reached Open Rider status talk to the endurance riders around you and decide what you would like to try.