How to Observe an Endurance Ride Vet Check

If you are interested in Endurance Riding you should plan to observe a vet check on a ride in your area. At the vet check area you'll get a sense of what is required from both the horse and the rider in this sport.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• An off road capable vehicle
• A local Endurance Ride to observe

1. Find a local Endurance Ride. The American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC) has links on its web page to rides on a regional basis. Follow the links to discover rides, dates, and locations.

2. 
    
   Vet Check area on local endurance ride.

   Inquire at Base Camp where the initial vet check will be located. If the details on the above links don't provide information on where the first vet check of the ride will be, inquire at base camp. With an off road capable vehicle you should be able to drive to the location.

3. 
    
   Vet Check on Endurance Horse

   Observe horses and riders at the vet check point. Riders and horses will enter the vet check point in a relatively consistent manner. Once there, they will get their time from the time keeper, and check in with the vet. The vet will talk with the rider while examining the horse for any issues, such as lameness. Often both the horse and rider will have something to eat. Also, water will be provided for the horses. Then they are off on the next leg of the ride.

Tips & Warnings

• Stay out of the way. This is a timed event, and you do not want to interfere with either horses or riders.
• If you venture out on the trail, try not to startle incoming horses and riders.