Try doing it for up to 16 hours, as a bunch of riders who will be competing at the National Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Championships plan to do this long weekend.
It is the first time the national competition has been held in East Otago. Riders will make their way through varied country side in the Nenthorn Valley, at Macraes Flat.
About 100 competitors are expected to take part, but just 15 were prepared to take on the competition’s 160km elite race.
Other events range from a 5km led rein for beginners to a 64km competitive trail ride.
National organising committee president Rachel Stocks said riders were travelling from throughout New Zealand for the event; international riders were unable to attend due to Covid-19.
‘‘We’re really delighted that so many people are going to travel down from the North Island to join us, it’s obviously a long way down and it takes about four days to get here
with horses and then to turn around and ride for up to 16 hours in one go — that’s a big ask of them, and their horses,’’ Mrs Stocks said.
Last year, the event was postponed due to Covid-19, and she was looking forward to finally hosting riders in the area.
‘‘It’s getting everyone together after such a long time to actually be able to put on this championship event, and be able to welcome everybody to our district.
‘‘We’re really, really excited to show people our area of countryside, and how beautiful is it, and that we can compete with Christchurch because it’s often up in that area.’’
