When it comes to Endurance riding you don’t need a fancy Arabian to take part. Our primary objective is to get out there and have fun. Finishing the race is more important than winning it. However having said that there are a few things that you need to know before hand so that you can have fun without it being at the expense of your horses health and welfare as well as the other riders and horses in attendance.
Equine Health Policies and Rules
Coggins Policy: What is Coggins and why does it matter
As of 2021 all SLR Rides and In person equine events will require a valid Negative Coggins Test within the last 12 months
Why does a Coggins Test Matter?
The Coggins Test is actually testing for Equine Infectious Anemia. This is a highly contagious virus that is spread by biting insects. The challenge presented by EIA is that a) there is no vaccine for it b) once infected a horse becomes a lifelong carrier who’s presence in the herd or nearby presents a constant risk for healthy uninfected horses nearby c) Infected horses may be asymptomatic. d) Foals can be infected in utero and often abort or die within a few months of birth.
For more information about EIA in Saskatchewan please check out the following links:
Sask Horse Federation – Equine Infections Anemia (Swamp Fever)
WCVM – Equine Infectious Anemia
Vaccination Policies
The Saskatchewan Long Riders doesn’t have any required vaccinations.
Four year old Rule
In order to participate in a 25 mile LD event horses must be at least 4 years of age
(a full 48 months) and proof of age may be requested.
In order to participate in a 50 mile Endurance race horses must be at least 5 years of age (a gull 60 months), proof of age may be required.
Equine Fitness and Welfare Rules
Riders and horses competing in the Limited Distance and Endurance rides (25 mile and up) must have their horses vetted in before the event. Then during the ride your horse must be declared fit to continue by the race vet through out the vet checks during the race. If the vet declares your horse unfit to continue their word is final.
The following is a partial list of things that may result in a horse declared UNFIT to continue:
- Lameness greater than Grade 2
- Metabolic distress
- Excessive dehydration
- Significant wounds/tack galls
- Respiratory distress
- Injury
- Extremely underweight or overweight