We are pleased to offer you the chance to participate in some of the endurance rides in Namibia. The selected rides will follow the rules and regulations of the International Endurance Federation (FEI).
You will get instructions during your stay and you will be accompanied by either Sacha or Ingeborg giving you the dos and don’ts and the why and why-nots during your training. They set the pace and give you further instructions during the actual ride itself.
Don't worry about the fitness of our horses; they are all capable of easily doing an 80 km race. The question is: "Are you fit enough?" So, it is extremely important that you are an experienced and fit rider.
Your stay will be a combination of game viewing from horseback, the training for and the actual endurance ride. This means you will have the luxury of having 2 horses; one you will train for the endurance ride and the other horse for watching the game.

Each year at the end of November we will have the dates for the endurance rides for next year. Please note that all the rides will take place on a Saturday. For availability and prices please contact us.

2020 Endurance Competition Dates
• February 7 & 8 – Windhoek area (2 hours drive away from the farm)
• February 28 & 29 – Otjiwarongo area (4 hours drive away from the farm)
• April 3 & 4 – Tsumeb area (5 hours drive away from the farm)
• May 22 & 23 – Otjiwarongo area (4 hours drive away from the farm)
• June 19 & 20 – Windhoek area (2 hours drive away from the farm)
• July 3 & 4 – Tsumeb area (5 hours drive away from the farm)
• October 17 – Otjiwarongo area (4 hours drive away from the farm)
• October 30 & 31 – Windhoek area (2 hours drive away from the farm)

Guest riders, not being a member of an endurance club and/or registered with the FEI, the maximum distance is 80km and their max speed not more than 16kmph. Our tour operator has the final decision on what distance the guest is competing. To finish is to win.

Please be aware that:
1. Non-endurance guests need to either arrive after these dates or leave before these dates and will not have any endurance training
2. If NERA and/or FEI decide – for whatever reason – to cancel or postpone an endurance ride or change venue we cannot be held responsible. We will refund the endurance supplement, but will not refund the safari.

For a Sample Itinerary, see the Endurance Week description in the Itinerary tab of the trip page.



Endurance Riding
Endurance riding is one of the newest and perhaps the fastest growing branch of equestrianism. Although organised endurance rides were held in the US as early as the mid- 1800s, the modern sport of endurance riding really began in 1955.
Endurance riding is defined as "An athletic event with the same horse and rider covering a measured course within a specified maximum time." Endurance rides in Namibia are races which vary in distance between 30 and 160 km and are covered in a single day. The horse with the fastest time is the winner providing the horse meets the 'fit to continue' criteria as determined by a veterinary staff. The horses are monitored by veterinarians throughout the ride at predetermined check points and will be withdrawn from the ride if they are judged to be unsound or metabolically unfit. Each ride has mandatory rests or 'holds' for the horses throughout the ride. Some rides are longer than 160 km but are completed over a period of multiple days with the horses typically covering 80 km per day.
Although endurance rides are technically 'races' many (if not most) riders participate for completion rather than placing. And although endurance rides are often hotly contested, at every level of endurance the welfare of the horse is paramount, with the strictest veterinary checks of all horse sports, and awards for best condition often being regarded as important as winning. For many people the unofficial motto of the sport 'To finish is to win' sums up the satisfaction they feel bringing their horse home sound and healthy.


Endurance Horses
In general a good endurance horse will have a balanced conformation, a relatively light build, a strong back and excellent feet. Most importantly the horse's temperament must suit the rider – even a 30km is a long way if you can't work as a team!
All our endurance horses are well mannered, fully trained, in top condition and eager to go!
Novice horses and riders are horses and riders that have not yet completed their novice class (2 x 40km and 2 x 80km or 3 x 80km) and their average speed is not allowed to be more than 16 kph.
Advanced horses are horses that have completed their novices class, but may (still) be restricted to participate in either a CEI/FEI* or CEI/FEI** ride.

How we pick your endurance horse
Of course, first of all we look at the information given to us about you and your riding ability. This will give us a general idea and make a paper match between you and several of our horses. Once you have arrived at the lodge and we’ve had a chat we will make the final decision. Judging the riding on our first day we might have to adjust, but so far that has never happened.

What distance can you do
Remember that you as a rider need to be fit as well, not just your horse. And don’t worry about the fitness of our horses; it is you we are worried about! So, it is paramount that we know of any health problems you may have! And please remember, it is our horse’s and your best interest that we have in mind.
Depending on your riding ability, fitness and health, the horse’s temperament as well as you being a novice or an advanced endurance rider we decide what distance you can do. If you’re a novice your maximum distance is 80km. And your average speed is a maximum of 16kph. If you are a member of an endurance club please bring your logbook so that you can add your kilometres. However, the decision on what distance you ride remains with us.