40km Endurance Ride through the Botswanan Bush.

The Journey to Botswana.

When you get invited to a 40km Endurance Ride through the Botswanan bush you just have to jump to it! Therefore one Thursday morning, in early October, we embarked on an exciting journey, from Harare to Francistown, Botswana.

Paula Joy and a friend, Kylee Swales, had been invited to participate in a 40 km Equestrian Endurance Race, which was to be held out in the Botswana bush. Paula Joy and myself, together with Kylee and her mother, duly set off together, on the 600 km road trip to Francistown, where the Endurance Race was to be held at the nearby, picturesque Tantebane Golf Resort. This exciting sport was entirely new to us, as we had never been involved in such an event before!

We arrived in the afternoon and took the opportunity to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the resort. Our dormitory accommodation was conveniently located near the horses so Paula Joy had the chance to meet the horse she would be riding, which is a Thoroughbred/Appaloosa horse, named Amber. This was to be Paula Joy and Amber’s first ever 40 km Endurance Race together!

Preparations and Briefings.

On Friday morning, Paula Joy had the opportunity to ride Amber and connect with fellow competitors, which all added to the excitement of the event. In the afternoon, the first veterinary inspection took place where all participating horses underwent thorough checks to ensure their fitness for the endurance challenge.

Following the veterinary checks, there was a competitors’ briefing in the evening. During this session, the participants were informed about the specific details of the track and the start times for each event.

They were also advised that completing the 40 km event in less than two and a half hours was prohibited. This meant that competitors would need to maintain a maximum speed of 16 km per hour throughout the race. This is to encourage riding management and to prevent competitors from becoming too harsh on their horses.

The Event Day.

Saturday morning began with the adrenaline-filled atmosphere of the 120 km event, which started at 5:00 a.m. The 40 km event followed later, at 7:00 a.m. It was so thrilling to see all the horses lined up and ready to head out on their courses! Once our race started we were fortunate enough to receive a lift to several points along the route, allowing us to cheer on the competitors.

Paula Joy discovered that Amber was somewhat apprehensive around other horses, prompting her to keep Amber at the back of the pack to help them find their rhythm together. As the kilometres passed, Amber gradually settled down, demonstrating the importance of understanding a horse’s capabilities and fitness for endurance riding. There were numerous water stops along the courses, for the horses and riders.

Once the 40 km race was completed, riders had a mere 15 minutes to cool their horses down, lower their heart rates to approximately 64 beats per minute, and present the horses for veterinary inspection. The goal was to reduce the heart rate as swiftly as possible, as the official time only stopped, once the horse was presented to the Veterinarian and had passed the inspection.

The Spirit of Endurance Riding.

It was heartwarming to witness the camaraderie amongst participants, as everyone was genuinely concerned about the welfare of the horses. Endurance racing is truly a sport that prioritizes the health and well-being of these magnificent animals.

Observing the 120 km horses returning for their rest stops was remarkable. Their heart rates soon dropped significantly and, after a brief rest, they looked rejuvenated and ready to continue with the next lap. Many completed the race in an impressive time of seven and a half hours, showcasing the incredible resilience of these horses and the dedication of their riders.

Appreciation for Arabian Horses.

I gained a new found appreciation for the Arabian horses that predominantly participated in the 120 km event. I knew very little about the various breeds of Arabians but, during the event, I learned a lot about the different appearances and sizes within this remarkable breed.

It soon became evident that Arabians are naturally inclined toward long-distance events, displaying both stamina and grace. This experience deepened my respect for these beautiful creatures and their capabilities in the world of endurance riding.

Reflections on the Experience.

The whole endurance riding experience was very meaningful for all of us, and we are immensely grateful to the Botswana Endurance Riding committee for inviting us to participate in their event.

Special thanks also go to Amber’s owner, Hannah, for allowing Paula Joy the opportunity to ride her willing horse. It is my belief that every passionate horseman could enhance their horsemanship skills, through participating in endurance riding, as it fosters a deeper bond between horse and rider.

Family Involvement in Endurance Riding.

It was heartwarming to see families enjoying the event together, with parents riding alongside their children and assisting in every aspect of the competition.

For families that love the outdoors, endurance riding provides an excellent chance to spend quality time together, whilst engaging in an active and rewarding sport. Witnessing this strong sense of community and a shared passion for horses was most inspiring for us.

Returning with Enthusiasm.

After the event we returned to Zimbabwe, filled with enthusiasm and ideas on how to promote this wonderful sport in our own country. Our goal is to encourage more people to ride their horses in the great outdoors, whilst fostering a new community within the existing equestrian sports. The whole experience reinforced our belief in the benefits of endurance riding, for horses and riders alike.