Ridecamp: [RC] [Guest] 100 Mile Rides

Wendy Merendini wendy.merendini@xxxxxxxx
In my experience the pace is determined more by the terrain, the 
conditioning level of your horse, the weather, rider bravery, than the fact 
that it is dark.  I have done eight and even 10 mph pace in the dark quite 
easily IF the conditions allow.  I just trust in my horse and they seem to 
do just fine.

I have ridden where it was so dark that I could not see my hand held up in 
front of my face ­ really ­ and had my mount trying to pull my arms out of 
their sockets wanting to go faster, the rider bravery factor stepped in, I 
was not comfortable galloping along when I could not see a blasted 
thing.   The year I did the Swanton Pacific, Sharon Westagard and I were 
flying along on the mountain trail coming into the finish and I could not 
see a thing ­ just trusted Flikka.  It was fun - like Mr. Toads Wild Ride.

One thing, Heidi is right about the helmet lamp ­ try not to use one, not 
only will it affect your horse it will disturb other riders and their 
horses.  Riders can get pretty grumpy when someone comes along with a light 
and ruins the night vision adjustment achieved by them and their horse?it 
could get ugly J!

Wendy Merendini


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