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.