Endurance competitions require a horse and rider to ride over a long distance measured course within a specified maximum time.

Endurance competitions are held over distances of 15 to 100 miles or more and require a horse and rider with good stamina and fitness. The horse with the fastest time is the winner.

During the endurance ride the horse is required to have rest periods and regular veterinary checks are carried out at predetermined check points which the horse must pass in order to be allowed to continue.

Pure or part-bred Arabs are popular horses for endurance riding due to their natural high stamina, but other breeds of horses are also used.