Can someone tell me what goes on from start to finish on a 25 mile
ride?
When the time of the start arrives every rider has his/her own choice as to
when to leave to begin the race. Some like to be first out of the gate and
take off down the trail while others prefer to wait until the front runners
leave and then leave at a leisurely pace.
I've been told that people "blast" by, unannounced and
completely freak out allot of horses...true?
While this certainly can and does happen in my opinion it is not the
norm. There is trail courtesy that most riders adhere to. Most
riders will ask for the trail when they need to pass and the courteous rider in
front moves his/her horse over to the side of the trail at the first safe
moment.
Can you really get off and walk *forward* with your
horse?
It is your ride and you can do whatever you want. Some riders and
their horses trot and canter almost the entire distance while some walk
and trot. You ride your own ride and you determine what is best for
you and your mount.
Been told that all that counts is finishing the race,
that it doesn't matter how you get to the end... true?
The motto for endurance riding is "To finish is to Win" -- and it does
matter how you get there. You have to follow the ribbons and there are vet
checks along the way which your horse has to pass in order to continue.
And, there is a vet check at the finish which your horse must pass in order to
obtain completion. A horse must be "fit to continue".
Do you guys really permit any/all kinds of horse *containment* such
as stalling, tying, picketing, fencing, etc?
Some riders have corral panels, others, high ties, or electric containment
corrals.
Ever anything less than 25 miles?
Occasionally a ride will have a 10-15 mile to introduce new people to the
sport of endurance riding.
Been told that "endurance" riders are terribly competitve, cut
throat and rude... true/not true?
Endurance riding is a competition as is CTR. Some people are more
competitive than others but that is not necessarily a bad thing. And while
some people may be rude and/or cut throat, again this is not the norm. You
find discourteous people everywhere you go but that does not mean everyone
is.
Do breeds besides Arabs do well?
If you go to the AERC website www.AERC.org you can get a lot of information
about this sport that will answer many of your questions. While Arabians
do extremely well in this sport, there are other breeds competing
successfully.
How much $$ does a ride cost?
Entry fees vary ride to ride. I haven't done a ride for less
that $50. Some rides are $100.
Please do tell all, as I haven't the slightest idea what
actually goes on... just have heard "here say" and want the straight info, first
hand.
I am afraid your "here say" came from a few disgruntled people and does not
reflect the sport. As I mentioned above visit the AERC website for more
information and I would suggest you sign up to help at one of your local
endurance rides so you can see firsthand what transpires.
PS Nancy Loving's book is wonderful - a great investment if you are
serious about taking up this sport.
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