To promote and maintain the welfare of the horses, riders and other participants, such as volunteers and strappers at endurance events where hot conditions prevail the following is suggested:
If temperature is forecast to be:
Up to 27.9°
- Normal ride conditions – no change in current practice in accordance with AERA Rules
From 28° to 33.9°
- Endurance rides (i.e. over 80kms) to start early morning and ride distance to be (modified if necessary) no further than 80km** or the shortest distance that can be safely accommodated by course marking.
- The higher the temperature the earlier the start.
- Training ride to commence at dawn or in the dark if temperature range is to be in the 30s.
- Introductory rides to start as soon as there is sufficient day light for riders to advance safely without the use of lights.
- All course marking to be done with arrows that have reflector lights
- As a minimum there must be water point s at least every 8kms. Consideration should be given to water points at every 5kms, especially on the last leg.
- All check points to be provided with water for riders (for topping up of water containers) as well as horses.
- Provide shelter and shade for vet and volunteers.
- Provide supplementary water supplies at the ride base camp.
Over 34°
- Endurance ride to be twilight start and ride distance to be (modified if necessary) no further than 80km** or the shortest distance that can be accommodated safely by course marking.
- Ride to commence early to late evening with 3 legs minimum and vet gate into hold.
- Training ride to start in the dark
- Training rides be no further than 40km with 2 legs recommended
- Introductory rides no longer than 20km with 1-2 km either way acceptable.
The Chief Steward and the Veterinarian in conjunction with the ride organiser will make the final decision as to the start/finish times
For Riders
It is highly recommend that all riders carry water for own use to minimize the risk of dehydration. Riders should also consider electrolyte supplementation.
All riders be prepared for riding in the dark: this includes torches, with fresh batteries.
Riders may withdraw from their ride at any time.