The Shahzada is a 5 day, 400 km horse ride through the tracks and roads around St. Albans, which lies on the MacDonald River, north west of Sydney. The ride occurs on the last full week of August each year.

    The riders complete two marked courses every day, returning to St Albans at the end of each leg. The riders can leave as early as 4 am, but must have completed the two legs by 5 pm. There is a compulsory 1 hour minimum break between legs for all riders. Each year, the number of entrants in both the main ride and the 3 day training ride (Tues - Thurs) exceeds 150.

    The endurance ride is strictly supervised by a team of professional vets and helpers who are known as TPR Stewards (Temperature, Pulse and Respiration). Each horse is vetted prior to the ride and twice daily (after each leg).

    For those who visit this site and who are NOT endurance riders, the author can assure you that every care is taken to ensure the well being of the horses. As a matter of fact, the horses are treated FAR better than the riders. The love, care and attention that is paid to these animals is MUCH better than the level of care that I have seen displayed by MOST people in suburbia towards their pet dog or cat. Many is the time when I have seen a rider "pull his/her horse from the event", despite the fact that the Vet has given clearance to continue because they would rather not risk any SLIGHT risk of unnecessary injury to their mounts. These Endurance Equestrians are to be commended.

    It has been said, often, that at the start of the week the riders look good and the horses look ordinary... a little fatter than fitter. At the END of the week, the RIDERS look terrible and the horses look magnificent!!!

    The first Shahzada was held in 1981. Little has changed in terms of the course since then and rule changes have been kept to a minimum, to ensure continuity and the worth of this great buckle.

    There were 26 starters in that first Shahzada. 14 horses and one long eared mule completed. Today, completions are still as difficult to come by with about the same percentage passing the test every year.