Training rides
If you decide to move on to riding competitively, you will probably start with Training Rides. These are up to 32 kilometres, usually following the same course as any Pleasure ride at the same event, and allow riders to take the first step into competitive riding without being penalised for mistakes.
You should bring your equine passport with you to all SERC rides in case your horse needs veterinary treatment during or after the ride.
Before the ride starts, your horse will be examined by a Veterinary Surgeon or a competent person appointed by the Ride Organiser to ensure that it is fit to take part. Your tack, your riding helmet and your footwear will also be inspected to ensure that it is suitable, safe and compliant with current safety standards. At the end of the ride, your horse will be examined again by the Vet or competent person, to ensure that it is fit, well and able to travel. If your horse is lame at the end of the ride, your horse will not be awarded cumulative mileage.
On the ride entry form, you will be asked to nominate a Speed Category i.e. the speed at which you intend to complete the course. There are three Speed Categories:
- Category 1
- 13kph and over
- Category 2
- 11 to 12.99kph
- Category 3
- 9.5 to 10.99kph
Training rides are ridden under Competitive Ride Rules and must be completed at a minimum average speed of 9kph. If you don't complete the course at this speed or greater, you won't be awarded the ride mileage to add to your cumulative mileage total.
If you complete the course at an average speed outwith the Speed Category you have nominated, you will not be eliminated (as you would in a competitive ride) but will be advised how to complete within the required speed range.
This is a brief summary of how training rides operate. Please consult the SERC Rule Book for further information.