Welcome to the new ERA Website!

Endurance Riders of Alberta (ERA) was originally founded in 1980 as West Yellowhead Endurance Riders. The club changed its name to Endurance Riders of Alberta in 1989. ERA is a sanctioning and record-keeping body for riders and horses competing in endurance events in Alberta.

After registering with ERA, all members receive a unique, lifelong identifying rider number that must be written on the ride result form issued at each ride. This number enables ERA to track each member’s mileage. After a rider has completed 250 miles of ERA-sanctioned rides or ERA-approved rides (out of province), he or she will receive a mileage pin. Pins are earned every 250 miles thereafter. Upon reaching 1,000 miles; the rider will receive a buckle, and one at every 1,000 miles thereafter.

Members are also required to register their horses when they begin competing. Each horse also receives a unique, lifelong identifying number. These numbers must be used when filling out ride entry forms to ensure each member and his or her mount receives mileage and credits earned. Each horse will receive a plaque at 250 miles with space to engrave increments of additional 250-mile completions. At 1,000 miles, and every 1,000 miles thereafter, the horse receives a blanket.

ERA also has year-end awards for both Senior and Junior Divisions, top horses and top riders.

Did you know?

Endurance Rides are races over a trail of 50 to 150 miles. Terrain can be varied and challenging. The events are commonly held over one to three days. Horses are checked by qualified veterinarians and judges before, during and after the ride.

Did you know?

Shorter rides, called Limited Distance rides, are organized for riders who are new to the sport and for young horses in training. Limited distance rides can range from 25 to 35 miles.

Did you know?

Competitive Trail Riding (CTR) is an equestrian sport where riders cover a marked trail for a distance that is usually between 15 and 40 miles per day. Unlike endurance riding, factors other than speed are considered.

Did you know?

Organized endurance riding as a formal sport began in 1955, when Wendell Robie and a group of equestrains rode from the Lake Tahoe area, across the Sierra Nevada Range to Auburn, in under 24 hours - the first Tevis Cup.