The welfare of the horses in the sport is paramount and very carefully attended to, with several veterinarians ("vets") present at every event. The number of vets depends on the number of horses participating and the horses are thoroughly checked by the ride vet before they are allowed to start.

The check includes measurements of the horse's temperature, heartbeat rate, respiration rate and a full metabolic profile. The horse is also trotted out to confirm its soundness. These checks are done at intervals throughout the ride and at the end of the ride.

The horse must pass all checks to successfully complete the ride. If a horse fails any of these vet checks, it is then immediately withdrawn from the event and the rider is eliminated.

The ride begins as a group start when the gate is "opened" or "flagged off" to start at a specific time. The riders are then free to go at their own pace throughout the ride as long as they do not exceed the time limit for their ride distance, or the cut-off times for the vet checks. Riders may also run, walk or jog alongside their horses at anytime throughout the ride. Endurance is a strategic test of horsemanship.

Riders are challenged with regard to effective use of pace and thorough knowledge of abilities and level of fitness with regard to their horses against the difficulties of the course, terrain and weather. A rider can take up to a year or more to train themselves and a horse as such that they are ready to compete in the 80km ride and several more years to complete in a 160km ride or an FEI 3* event.