Re: [RC] [RC] FEI and 100 mile competitions - tom noll
Greetings:
It seems to me that there is a significant
difference in character between the FEI rides and the classic 100s. The
classic 100s are generally big loop or point-to-point rides whereas the FEI
rides seem to be many short loops out of camp. The only similarity is the
distance. It would be hard to make a movie like Hildalgo, fiction or not,
about six loops out of camp.
It takes a lot of dedication and work to put on a
classic trail 100 and sometimes the amenities may be lacking. The rugged
character of a classic trail 100 may deter some riders, but the best parts
of endurance riding, the trail and the companionship with your horse can be
found in abundance.
Karen noted, "The more recognition we give to the
shorter distances, the more 100 mile participation will decline..." and I
agree. I like to ride all of the distances, but in my mind 25 miles is a nice trail ride, 50 miles is a horse race, and
100 miles is an adventure. Perhaps not so many people are up for an
adventure today. People seem to like certainty and people seem to like a
horse race. The certainty in a classic trail 100 is that you'll be
out for a long time and the uncertainty is that you just might not finish
this one.
The 100s are open to everyone, but it takes some
courage to start a classic trail 100. When you and your horse toe the
line of a classic trail 100, you can look around and know that you are
among a small group of rough riders and tough horses.
The wonder and awe of being out on the trail at
night with a strong horse and the company of the moon and the stars, after
riding all day long, with miles still to go, is an experience that I'll never
forget. So, for all you folks that haven't
done a classic trail 100 recently, please remember what my wife Leslie said
to me at Jacks Creek in Wyoming, "Frank sure looks a whole lot better at 75
miles than you ever did."
