Well, the sport has changed a lot since I
started in '79 or '80. Some people DO have bigger and grander
rigs, our horses' needs are better understood and met, they do
turn out faster times and most are now healthier and happier at the
completion of rides. Unless we want our sport to stagnate and
die it must continue to grow, change and evolve.
That said, however, endurance provides the
avenue for any and all to participate at whatever level and speed we
wish. There are no requirements for style or age of tack,
dress or equipment (and you don't gain or loses points because of
it). Heart monitors aren't required, and adults are free to
ride without helmets if we choose. We are welcome to
ride with or without a crew (and there are some of us who wish we
were lucky enough to have a friend who always crewed for
us).
Not everyone wants to ride in International
competition but for those who choose to it's very exciting and
rewarding. And, yes, those races won't necessarily be
conducted like those in our country. Just riding in different
regions is quite an eye-opener.
AERC has come a long way since it's beginning but one thing
remains constant: We can still ride our own ride!
I think that's what attracts most riders to endurance rather
than CTR.
Betty
So. Oregon