Chautauqua Challenge Endurance Ride

Welcome to the homepage of all the juicy details for the AERC sanctioned endurance ride The Chautauqua Challenge.

September 27th, 2025: 30-mile LD, 50-mile endurance ride and 15-mile Intro ride.

September 28th, 2025: 30-mile LD and 15-mile Intro ride.

We will have special awards for folks that complete both days!

This 2-day ride features the Chautauqua County Equestrian Trail System of Boutwell Hill State Forest. Proceeds to benefit the CCETS. Come ride some of the most scenic trails of New York State. They feature winding forest single track, wide forestry roads, improved footing for horses, hills to climb, windmills to pass, and lots and lots to look at! Trail routes will be slightly different from last year.

Control Vet: Art King

The Intro to Endurance Clinic at Lou Eibl Corral Campground will be held June 28-29, 2025 hosted by Caroline North and Audrey Hager, and the CCETS. Anyone who volunteered in 2024 is eligible for a discounted fee! This clinic is to encourage riders that are interested to learn more about the rules of AERC endurance riding, how a ride proceeds, and lots of great tips on how to camp, condition your horse, and horse and rider care before and after a long-distance ride! We will be riding some of the trails and getting you used to vet checks and pacing. Check back here for more details and the registration link! (Clinic is FULL) Contact Caroline for any info.

2024 ride UPDATE: We had a successful event with almost 40 riders! HUGE THANKS goes out to all our sponsors and volunteers! We are currently making plans for next year due to all the enthusiasm! Caroline is also planning an endurance riding clinic next June for anyone interested and with discounted entry fees for anyone who volunteered at the 2024 ride.