STARTING OUT
Decided that you want to try Endurance but you're unsure where to start?
You've come to the right place!
Please browse the resources below for more information on the wonderful sport of Endurance Horse Riding.
All new members of Endurance NSW receive a 24 page Starting Out in Endurance publication to help them when new to the sport.
Membership is HALF PRICE from 1st July and we have loads of rides on the calendar so there's never been a better time to join up.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
-
Do I need to be a member before my first ride?No! There are options to join as a "Day Member" for Introductory and Intermediate rides (5km - 60km) This is paid for when you enter the event and select "Day Membership". It is ideal for your first ride but it is more economical if entering a few rides/events over the season to take out Intermediate Membership.
-
How do I become a member of NSW or a Zone?All Endurance NSW membership is now online at AERAonline.com.au If you are brand new to the sport and do not have an AERAonline account, please chat to our Registrar first: 4938 0081, or email registrar@nswera.info to be set up in our database. To become a member of a local Zone or Endurance Club please contact your local endurance Club or Zone.
-
What level of membership do I need?Adult Riding · Full level of membership is for people turning 18 years or older in the current calendar year. · Holding this membership allows you to enter any ride distance providing Novice requirements have been met · Entitled to vote at the NSW AGM Junior Riding · Junior full membership for people under the age of 18 years in the current calendar year · Holding this membership allows you to enter any ride distance providing Novice requirements have been met · Juniors are not entitled to vote at the NSW AGM Intermediate Riding · Intermediate membership for people of any age · Holding this membership allows you to enter any Introductory* or Intermediate** ride · Not entitled to vote at the NSW AGM Associate Membership · For non-riding members, ie owners, trainers, volunteers · This membership does NOT allow you to enter in any ride without Day Membership · Not entitled to vote at the NSW AGM Family Membership · A family membership bulk discount is available for one or two adults and any dependent children under the age of 18 years in the current calendar year residing at the same address · Adult and Junior membership entitlements as above Day Membership · Available for a person who does not hold any of the above memberships · Holding this membership allows you to enter any Introductory* or Intermediate** ride · Only valid for a single ride · Not entitled to vote at the NSW AGM Personal Accident Insurance · An optional insurance policy for riding members – full details of the current policy available at www.aera.asn.au/insurance-page/
-
What does it cost to be a member?Adult Riding - $170 Junior Riding - $120 Intermediate Riding - $125 Family Membership - $400 Associate Membership - $20 Day Membership - $30/ day Personal Accident Insurance - $150 Adult - $39 Junior We do have promotional offers on membership during the year - so keep an eye out for those to save some dollars.
-
Do I need my own horse?If you don't have your own horse but would like to give Endurance a try - contact our Mentor Program Coordinator! There are often teams or individuals with more than one horse who might be able to help you get started.
-
Can I come to a ride to see what it's like first?Yes! Check the calendar for an event close by and contact the Ride Secretary to find out more - volunteering is a great way to learn or simply come along and observe.
-
Want to find out more?Read our handy tips on training, what to pack for an event, on course etiquette and more in our Rider Information Pack: There are also You Tube videos at the bottom of our Starting Out page on the website, and the AERA website has a lot of helpful information as well: https://aera.asn.au/index.php/guides/startingendurance/your-first-training-ride If you still have a question and can't find the answer, try asking the question in our Facebook group or contact NSW Endurance at registrar@nswera.info. There are no silly questions, so don't hesitate to contact us!
Volunteer
Join us as a volunteer at an endurance ride event and immerse yourself in the exciting world of endurance riding!
This is fantastic opportunity to learn more about strapping, vetting, event organisation and the thrill of long distance riding. Your participation will not only support clubs but also enrich your understanding of this vibrant community. Sign up today and be part of an unforgettable experience!
Simply check out the calendar for an event close by and contact the Ride Secretary to find out more.
Mentorships
GUIDANCE AND FRIENDSHIP TO GET YOU STARTED
Endurance NSW has several experienced endurance rider Mentor groups. For more information you can check out their Facebook pages. These are casual social groups. Not affiliated rides so you are not insured unless you have your own riding insurance or become a NSWERA MEMBER and take out insurance.
Sydney: Zone 1: Hills & Hawkesbury Social Endurance Riders Community
Newcastle Area: Newcastle & Surrounds Endurance & Trails
South Coast Zone Endurance Association: Have 4 Mentor members that covers Berry, Falls Creek, Wandandian & Moruya
Central West Area: Lachlan Endurance Riders and Belubula Endurance Riders have many experienced members who are open to mentoring
Step-Up Program
Thinking about stepping up to your first 80km ride? Endurance NSW will pay the entry fee for your first 80km ride if you join our Step-Up program beforehand.
Endurance NSW's Step-up Program has successfully encouraged many novice riders who have not previously attended a NSW-affiliated 80km endurance ride to step up a distance and give it a go. This experience will give you the confidence you need to attempt further 80km rides.
The program is open to any novice rider who has not yet completed a NSW-affiliated 80km ride. You will need to nominate via email to the Step-up coordinate to start tracking your rides.
After you have successfully completed a minimum of 2 x 40km intermediate rides equalling 80km in NSW-affiliated rides, Endurance NSW will reimburse your entry fee after your first NSW-affiliated 80km ride.
You must have full Endurance NSW membership to enter your first 80km ride which you can simply upgrade from your intermediate membership.
Video Information Library
Explore our Endurance NSW YouTube videos for essential information on vetting, strapping, everything you need to know to begin your endurance riding journey.
Don't miss out on valuable resources to kickstart you on your way. Click now to get started!