As part of our long-standing connection with equine vets and the riding community, all of us at Radincon are proud to sponsor endurance rider Susan Woodward.
We caught up with Susan towards the end of the 2022 season to find out more about the sport and about her.
What Is Endurance Riding?
Endurance riding is competitive long distance riding. Day events in Australia have courses between 80km and 160km long. There are also shorter training and social events, and longer marathon events which take place over several days.
Wellbeing of the horses is at the centre of the sport. Vets attend all rides. Longer rides are divided into legs, with a vet check at the end of each leg. Any horses deemed ‘not fit to continue’ at the end of each leg (including the finish) are ‘vetted out’ and not permitted to complete the ride.
How Did You Become An Endurance Rider?
I’ve always loved horses. I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t riding. And then I found there was a sport which didn’t involve dressing up, plaiting horses’ manes and so on. I knew that was the one for me.
My introduction to the sport was in 1983 in the UK when I discovered ‘Long Distance Riding’ as it was called then. When I moved to Australia in 1985 I was lucky enough to meet Peter Cole, known for his long partnership with Chip Chase Sadaqa, known to Peter as Wings. I ‘strapped’ for him at a couple of rides, which meant that I learnt from the best, and ended up buying one of Sadaqa’s foals.
In the 90’s I returned to the UK and rode with one of Britain’s most successful riders, Cathy Brown. We were longlisted for Britain’s World Championship Team in 2000, but unfortunately Kathy broke her shoulder in an accident in one of the lead up rides, and we had to withdraw.
For the last decade or so I’ve been riding in Australia, based in New South Wales, but travelling across the country.
What Do You Enjoy About The Sport?
To me, it’s about building a real connection with the horse. I don’t have a horse of my own, so I’ve ridden with a whole range of horses. I love learning from each of them. The question is always how to get the most out of the particular horse I’m riding right now. But that’s how I learn and improve my skills.
I also really enjoy the opportunity to travel around Australia and to see different parts of the country.
What’s Your Biggest Achievement?
Without a doubt, it’s completing the sport’s National Championship ride – the Tom Quilty Gold Cup this year on my first attempt. I rode at a conservative pace, but we were still able to finish in the Top 20 in the Lightweight Division.
The Quilty is Australia’s peak endurance event, and this year it was held in Tooraweenah. There’s been a trend recently to courses with fewer hills, but this course was more traditional with a lot of up and down. The wet weather made the course boggy as well, so it was a real test of horsemanship. I was lucky enough to be riding Castlebar What’s the Goss, who gave it her all the whole way round. We got great support from our strapper too – Jon Marriott of Radincon. A good strapper makes all the difference by taking care of everything so that both horse and rider can focus on the ride. They care for the horse between legs; ensures it’s hydrated; keeps an eye on the rider to make sure they eat and drink enough and have enough energy to complete the ride!
This was the first 160km race I’d ever ridden, so I was a bit nervous, as I’d always been terrified of trying the longer distances. But advice from my fellow competitors such as not thinking about it as a 160km ride, but a series of training rides, was extremely helpful. I was so proud of Goss for her stamina and heart and will always be grateful to her owner and trainer, Ellen Murdoch and trainer Jessica Williams for doing all the hard work and training Goss to such a high level. Credit also should go to Goss’s breeder – Meg Wade of Castlebar Stud. She is one of Australia’s most successful endurance breeder/trainers.
What About Goals For The Future?
Mostly, I’d like to keep up a good record of successful completions. The sport’s motto is ‘To Complete is to Win’ and I truly believe that. I’m also happy to be amongst the front runners when the time is right!
I haven’t ridden everywhere in Australia yet, so it would be nice to visit all the states. I’d love to ride internationally too, in New Zealand, the UK and Europe.
Do You Have Any Advice For People Interested In Trying Out Endurance Riding?
Anyone who’s interested should give it a try.. Here are some tips to get started:
- Find your local AERA (Australian Endurance Riders Association) Zone and get in touch.
- Search for local groups on Facebook and reach out there too. You’ll find people are very welcoming.
- Consider strapping for someone else as a way to experience the sport and learn how to look after your horse.
- Get a mentor who can support you and advise on feeding and training.
- Start off with the short social rides rather than competitive rides. Move to longer distances bit by bit and see how far you want to go.
Endurance riding isn’t a glamorous sport which attracts lots of dollars, spectators and attention. It’s about connecting with the horses and enjoying the rides. It requires time and commitment, but it’s fulfilling in so many ways. At the very least, give it a try.