In 2025, the Biltmore Equestrian Center, located on the grounds of George Vanderbilt’s historic Biltmore Estate in Asheville, NC, will host the thirtieth annual Biltmore Challenge Endurance Rides on: 

Friday May 2, 2025: 25, 50 mile rides and 50-mile AERC National Championship
Saturday May 3, 2025: 30, 55, 75 and 100 mile rides and 75-mile Young Rider National Championship and 100-mile National Championship.

All riders are AERC either Open or Championship.

The 75 mile ride will have as option, an FEI 2* and 2*YJ; and the 100 mile ride will have as an option an FEI 3*. These FEI events are the only ones with any jurisdiction from USEF (United States Equestrian Federation). None of the other rides / distances have any association with USEF. For more informaton on the FEI divisions, weight requirements and equine age requirements, see FEI Definite Schedule which will be here.

In addition, we hope the Eastern Crabbett Arabian Horse Society (ECAHS) will support (lovely!) neck ribbons in each ride for the best Crabbett-certified Arabian finishing. Certification is a nominal fee, and only needs to be done once for a horse. So get 'er done!

Team Competitions !  We hope to get a sponsor for team compeitions this year at the Biltmore Challenge. These are open to all riders on both days with no additional entry fees.  At least two full teams within the same distance are required to have team competition awards.  Form your own team of four riders, with time for the top three finishers on each team counting towards awards.  This is a good opportunity to practice team riding....   Check out how strategy and opportunities change in this environment! 

Ride with GPS:  We hope! SERA sponsorship of RideWithGPS maps for this ride is returning.  Get the app on your mobile, download ride maps to your phone, and have trail directions for you as you ride along.

General Conditions: Built in 1895, the Estate trails promise a challenging ride along the French Broad River and over rolling hills and low mountains.  We recommend that all horses have hoof protection, and in the 50, 75 and 100 mile distances, think about padding.  Breast collars/cruppers may be helpful.  Each loop will circle back to a central vetting area adjacent to the main camping area. 

Please beware that the trails go through farming areas, with farm animals: goats, sheep, cattle and PIGS.

Weather is somewhat unpredictable in very early May, but it is usually humid with temperatures in the upper 70s to low 80s.

Controlled Entry to Biltmore Estate.  As part of the need for security on the Estate, and to provide a more official mode of access for attendees to the Estate grounds, names are provided for a list used by the front gate guards for initial entry (the "Gate List").  Subsequent re-entry will be via wristbands available at the ride site.  Entry for one named crew member is covered as part of the ride entry fees.   For 75 and 100-mile riders, two (2) named crew members are covered in the ride entry fees. On the Estate, including at the ride site, colored wristbands will be required to be worn as visible proof of permission. Each 25, 30, 50 and 55 mile ride-day of entry fees covers one crew length of stay. So riding two days gets two crew.

Note:  children 16 and under are free, but must still have their names on the "Gate List" and wear the wristbands.