The New Zealand Endurance and Competitive Trail Riding Association is pleased to announce that its new website is now in operation.

Secretary Dinah Nicholas says the website is expected to ease the administrative load on the association, as well as provide a fast way of getting news and information to members and the public. The association is the governing body of the sport in New Zealand.

"Members are able to download membership and registration forms, as well as read the latest news bulletins from the council," says Dinah. "We expect this to be a huge saving in time and administration costs, plus it makes re-registering horses far faster for owners.”

Articles of interest to endurance riders are also being added as time allows, and the NZECTRA hopes the site will become a valuable resource for local and overseas riders.

The new website, which is hosted by Horsetalk, is at www.nzendurance.com and can also be accessed at www.horsetalk.co.nz/nzendurance

About the NZECTRA:

The first Endurance ride in New Zealand was held on Sunday, 29 August 1970. Several regions around the country ran endurance and trail rides from then, but it was not until October 1975 that a meeting was held to establish a national council. After a ride at Taumarunui on 6 June 1976 another meeting took place to inaugurate a permanent NZ National Council.

The sport has gone from strength to strength in New Zealand, with 600 horses registered and 800 members (approximate figures).

In 1999 a New Zealand team won the gold medal at the World Endurance Championships in the Middle East.