British Endurance Protocol Takes Shape

13 April 2017


Following agreement in February that Endurance GB and the British Equestrian Federation would work together to develop a new British protocol for all future international rides in Great Britain, significant progress has been made. 


A working party, led by Dr. Tim Watson, BEF Board Director, have met and discussed developing a protocol that not only helps build a long-term UK strategy regarding horse welfare, but further enhances our UK offering with an ultimate goal of increasing participation in international and high-level competition.


Following a number of meetings, a period of consultation was launched to seek the views of a random selection of FEI riders, ride organisers, officials and those aspiring to ride at that level. On analysis of the results, and a substantial amount of historic ride data, the working group are now in a position to test the new protocol at the Kings Forest ride. The results of the 80KM Competitive Endurance Ride class at Kings Forest will be analysed using the parameters that the working group are recommending, and the criteria will then be further assessed for their suitability to be introduced at all FEI and CER rides in England and Wales. Results of the analysis will be available on the Endurance GB website following the ride, at which time a summary of the criteria will also be available.


The objectives of the new protocol are to reward good horsemanship at our competitive and FEI rides in this country, devise a transparent method for appointing FEI officials, suggest ways to increase participation and recommend improvements to publicise clean sport. The process of refining a British Protocol that works for all is an interactive one and will be refined over the coming weeks, taking into account the information presented at the FEI’s Sport’s Forum.


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Endurance GB - National Governing Body for competitive Endurance horse riding in Great Britain a member body of the BEF. Offering rides for non-members and members from pleasure rides to competitive rides  www.endurancegb.co.uk