The welfare of the horse is paramount throughout the competitions,and horses are subject to regular veterinary inspections which take place prior to, during and at the end of the competition. Competitions take place throughout the UK and between 80 and 90 rides will take place during the 1999 season, each ride includes a range of classes often from 10 or 20 miles upwards. The season runs from March to October. A series of national competitions runs throughout the season open to all grades of rider and horse at both Senior and Junior levels. The sport is considered to be ideally suited to a wide range of ages and abilities and offers the perfect recreation opportunity for the average rider as well as a top level of competitions for the more competitive.
Many families compete with parents and children riding together.
In addition to the domestic programme, teams are sent every year to compete in Europe in the European Championships and also further afield in the World Championships. In 1998 a team will travel to Dubai to compete in the World Championships. It is regular practice to send at least three teams abroad, a senior, an intermediate, and a junior team. Much emphasis is put on Young Riders and in 1997 British Endurance hosted the first ever European Junior Championship at Cirencester Park. The second championships will be hosted by Germany in 1999 and a team of juniors was taken during 1998 to compete in Germany to enable them to gain experience.