RSA: Horse and Rider Endurance Race to kick off

SABCNews.com
07.06.2004

The annual Horse and Rider Endurance Race will start just after sunrise today. Almost 300 horses and their riders will set off from Fauresmith in the south-western Free State on a three day journey during which they will cover just over 200km.

Willie Matthee, a spokesperson, says seven groups of riders will set off at different times early this morning. They are from South Africa, Botswana and Namibia. Competitors will ride 80km today, 80km tomorrow and then a final 45km on Thursday.

Matthee says after every 25km the horses will be checked by veterinary surgeons to determine if they are still fit to continue the race.