What is ride and run?

Riding also means training your horse through a variety of exercises, to build a better understanding between you. There are plenty of disciplines you can train your horse for. Among them is « ride and run ». So what exactly is ride and run? That is what we look at in this article.

Ride and run: what does it involve?

The ride and run is one of the new federation disciplines. It is one of those outdoor equestrian activities that many riding professionals enjoy taking part in. Ride and run is done in pairs.

In each ride and run team, the competitors take it in turns, alternating between the saddle and on foot, or between pony or horse and bicycle. There is no risk of getting lost here. The course is usually waymarked, and the aim is to complete the whole route as quickly as possible while working together.

A little history: ride and run was, in a way, a very cheap means of transport used in the 17th century. In 1971, the brand LEVI'S revived this method of travel to turn it into a sport. That is how ride and run was born.

Ride and run quickly became a type of race with enormous appeal, among equestrian sport enthusiasts as much as among endurance riders and long-distance runners. Over time, we have seen ride and run develop in parallel in other countries such as Canada, Japan, England and Australia.

For everyone's enjoyment, the sport has been codified so that it can be offered in a properly standardised form and safely for riders.

The very first ride and run competition took place in September 2018. It was held around the Château de Grosbois. That competition became the basis for the ride and run bike tour, with several rounds organised throughout the 2018-2019 season. In France, ride and run professionals generally get their kit from La Sellerie Française. For all your horse accessory needs, this website will be extremely useful. Saddles, bridlework, half pads, saddle pads and fly veils, training aids, halters and lead ropes… it is all there.

What are the benefits of ride and run?

Lively and fun, ride and run is a genuine alternative for professionals who do not compete in « classic » disciplines. The sport is therefore open to riders of all ages. For the youngest there is the « Open » category, which involves no change of role during the race. Younger riders can take part in races alongside their parents. Ride and run thus has a family dimension that gives the discipline excellent scope for growth.