KUALA LUMPUR: There will be no horsing around when the World Endurance Championship (WEC) horse riding meet gathers a cloud of dust in Terengganu next month.

Due to its arduous 160km route, veterinarians will be stationed at seven separate medical stopover points to assess the fitness level of the participating horses.

One of the veterinarians, Dr Balakrisna Polnaido, said that each rider, upon arriving at a stopover point, should within 30 minutes, bring the horse for routine medical check.

“During each stopover, each horse will be examined for respiration, pulse, and temperature to ensure that its heartbeat returns to normal, which is 64 beats per minute.

“If the fitness level of the horse is not up to mark, both rider and horse will not be allowed to continue,” he told Bernama here yesterday.

He said the prime concern was for the safety of riders and horses.

Upon completion of the medical check-up, Dr Balakrisna said riders and horses were given a good rest before they resumed the ride. WEC will be held at Terengganu International Endurance Park between November 6 and 9, and will see the participation of 142 riders from 33 countries.

Malaysia will be represented by 12 riders, led by Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Mizan Zainal Abidin.

Tuanku Mizan is scheduled to officiate the championship at Sultan Mizan Stadium, State Sports Complex, Gong Badak on November 5.

— Bernama