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ride day

What to expect on ride day

Ride morning can feel overwhelming—but understanding the flow of the day will help you and your horse start strong and finish well. Here’s a simple guide to how a typical ride works. Also check out our OCTRA Handbook for Newbies.pdf

1. Check-In & Morning Prep

  • Visit Registration first to pick up your rider package and vet card.

  • Refer to the ride flyer for official details and schedule.

  • Make sure both you and your horse have a good breakfast and are well hydrated!

  • You should know your start time and trail loop colors from the pre-ride meeting (held the evening before or morning of).

2. Vet In

After checking in, head to the vetting area.
Your horse will be examined to ensure they're fit to start the ride.

3. Getting Ready for Your Start

  • Be tacked up and warming up 10–15 minutes before your assigned start time.

  • A proper warm-up helps settle nerves and prevents pulled muscles caused by excitement or sudden bursts of energy.

4. Out on Trail

  • Follow the correct loop colour for your distance.

  • Trail ribbons are typically marked on the right-hand side. Pay close attention to ribbons, everyone gets lost at least once!

  • Special trail instructions will be covered during the pre-ride talk.

5. Coming Into Your Hold

After completing a loop:

  1. Vet in again.

  2. Begin your hold time.

  3. Once your hold is complete and your horse passes all checks, you’ll head out on your next loop.

Riders participating in longer distances will repeat this process multiple times throughout the day.

Learn More

Use the links below to explore detailed information: Vetting, Crewing & Hold, Electrolytes 

Vetting

Vet Check Procedures

1. Arriving into the Hold/Vetting

  • Ride to the timer and have your "in time" recorded and then proceed to your crewing area. You can dismount here.

2. Head to Your Crewing Area

  • Once at your crewing area untack and cool your horse as needed.

  • Your horse must reach pulse criteria to pass the vet check. (Refer to the discipline you are registered in for criteria)

3. Pulse In

  • When ready, go to the pulse-in area and give the timer your number.

  • Hand your rider card to the scribe/recorder for the pulse check.


4. Vet Examination

  • Once your horse meets pulse parameters, retrieve your rider card and proceed to the vet.

  • Give your card to the scribe and follow the veterinarian’s instructions.

  • The vet will determine whether your horse is fit to continue, needs a recheck, or must be withdrawn.

  • Share any concerns you have—vets are there to help, and you know your horse best.

  • If you choose to stop for personal reasons, notify the vet that you are taking a Rider Option (RO). The vet must still confirm your horse is fit to continue.

  • Once you've passed the vet check and received your out time, you are now into your "Hold"


Crewing & Hold

Before the Rider Arrives

Make sure everything is set up and ready:

  • Horse supplies: fresh water, hay, grain, mash

  • Cooling gear: buckets of water, sponges, sweat scraper, ice or ice boots

  • Rider supplies: snacks, drinks, electrolytes, medications, and extra clothing

  • Warmth & protection: blankets, rain sheets, rump rugs

  • Health tools: stethoscope or heart monitor

  • Lighting: flashlight or glow sticks for late-day or night riding

  • Spare equipment: extra tack, saddle pads, hoof boots or shoes

  • Comfort items: chair or small tent for shade


During the Hold

Focus on evaluating and supporting your horse's recovery:

  • Blanket if needed: keep the horse warm or sheltered

  • Monitor eating & drinking: appetite and hydration should look normal

  • Check basic functions: notice urination and manure—color, amount, and consistency matter

  • Assess hydration: skin pinch, capillary refill, jugular refill, gut sounds

  • Observe attitude: horse should be bright and responsive

  • Inspect for issues: tack rubs, swelling, heat in legs, or back soreness

  • Track pulse recovery: the heart rate should continue dropping throughout the hold; significant increases should be checked with the vet

  • Electrolyte appropriately

  • Check all hooves: shoes or boots secure, hooves in good condition

  • Review the next trail loop: distance, pace, markings, terrain, and meeting points

  • Stay courteous: treat your crew kindly—they’re your greatest advantage.

Preparing to Leave

Before heading out on the next loop:

  • Pack electrolytes: ensure you have what you need for the trail

  • Gear check: helmet, water, rider card

  • Tack inspection: everything secure

  • Final horse assessment: attitude, soundness, and readiness—trot out if needed

  • When in doubt, wait: if anything feels “off,” give the horse time or consult the vet

  • Cool if hot: a quick sponge-off can help in warm weather

  • Thank your crew: they keep you moving—show appreciation





Electrolytes

Proper electrolyte supplementation is essential before, during, and after an endurance ride—especially in hot weather. Horses lose significant electrolytes through sweat, and replacing them helps maintain hydration, muscle function, and overall performance.

Most electrolyte products include their own dosage recommendations, but a general guideline is:
For each hour of work, provide 1–2 scoops (30–60 g / 1–2 oz), depending on intensity and heat.

Electrolytes can be:

  • Mixed with water and given orally using a syringe (practice at home first!)

  • Added to a water bottle for easy dosing

  • Sprinkled on feed, if your horse is not a picky eater

Many riders add flavorings or ingredients to make electrolytes more palatable.

For more detailed information, Mad Barn and the AERC website offer excellent articles on electrolyte use and endurance horse hydration.

Don't hesitate to ask vets and OCTRA members questions at any time! 



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2025 Website committee: Jenn Lake, Natalie Catlos, Sylvie Hand, Rob Wright, Wendy Webb

Photos on this site, are from the OCTRA archives, donated by Wendy Webb, unless credited otherwise

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