Endurance riding in the hills

Anyone who has watched Hidalgo will know what is an endurance race is but for the rest of us in a nutshell an endurance race is a test of the speed and stamina of horse and the rider.

Unlike a flat race, the positioning of the winner will be determined by the horse and rider that finishes the course closest to the predetermined time, with care given to the equines physical ability to complete the course outlined for it.

The Sri Lanka Equestrian Association will be introducing a new show piece to the Nuwara Eliya celebrations by adding an endurance race (sponsored by the Premadasa Riding School) to the April season mix.

This event is to be held on April 23 will commence at 7 a.m. on the Nuwara Eliya sand track and is expected a participation of at least 20 riders, divided into groups of three's or two's.

Endurance rides were initially organised by respective armies in France, Norway, Sweden, Austria and Germany way back in 1860 and have now become an internationally recognised sport.

Indian Endurance Veteran Raghuvendra Singh Dundlod and experienced veterinary surgeon, Dr. Rathore will be overlooking the event to ensure that international rules and regulations are adhered to with regard to the conduct of the event and the treatment of horses.

The Sri Lanka Equestrian Association is currently recognised by the world body for equestrian sports and has been in the forefront of the revival of equestrian sports in the island.

The National Federation and its member clubs have organised key equestrian events in the recent past such as the Horse Show (2003), The Confifi Derby (2001), the John Keells Derby (2004), the Southern Derby, the Mount Lavinia Beach Races, the Mini Endurance Race (2004) and veterinary workshops.