ENDURANCE is where the horse and rider complete the marked course within a minimum and maximum time. You will be given a start time and the class usually head out together at that time, however, if you prefer not to start with the group you can hang back and start up to 15 minutes later. You can stop and dismount on course whenever you want, but you must be mounted when you cross the start and finish lines. Your riding time stops the moment you cross the finish line for single loop classes. You then have up to 30 minutes to untack, cool your horse down and then present to the vet where your horse’s heartrate must be 64 beats per minute or less. When you get to the vet ring you call “time”. If you are over 30 minutes, then you will be eliminated. There are no placings for novice horses and riders, but you will receive a qualification certificate and ribbon.

COMPETITIVE TRAIL RIDING, or more commonly known as CTR, is where the horse and rider complete the marked course in an optimum time. The goal is to complete the marked course as close to the optimum time as possible.  One penalty point will be added to your score for every minute over the optimum time, and two penalty points for every minute under the optimum time.  You are not allowed to weave, zig zag, or halt to waste time and your horse must keep moving forward unless they need a toilet stop, drink, or tack adjustment.  You may dismount on course, but must be mounted from the control area, which is generally a few hundred metres from the finish line.When you cross the finish line, your horses’ heartrate will be taken immediately. You then have up to 30 minutes to untack, cool your horse down, and then present to the vet where the horses heart rate (HR) will be taken again.  If your horse’s heartrate is over 64 beats per minute, or you are late to the vet ring, you will be eliminated.Your across the line HR, final HR, and time penalties will be added together, with the lowest score winning.
GOVERNING BODIESEquestrian Sports New Zealand (ESNZ)The national governing body for all equestrian disciplines including Endurance & CTR
ESNZ EnduranceThe national governing body for Endurance and CTR

 * Canterbury Endurance & Trail Riding Club (CETRC) is an ESNZ affiliated club
What Is Endurance and CTR?
