The
intent is good, unfortunately, it doesn't make any allowances for the person
who has ridden for many years, has miles & miles of conditioning rides
under their belt, yet doesn't participate in sanctioned rides. And, at
the opposite end of the spectrum, it allows people who have very little
experience to do a few 50's one year, then enter Tevis. Which rider is more
qualified?
I'm of the opinion that "miles & miles of conditioning rides" are not
the same as participating in sanctioned 100 mile endurance rides.
The effects of riding in sanctioned 100 mile endurance rides, with the
intent of completing or competing, are so different from riding conditioning
rides (unless those rides are "back-to-back-to-back-to-back-to-back 20 mile
conditioning rides on the same horse, on the same day and (perhaps) on a trail
unfamiliar to the horse and rider after having, say, trailered for two or three
days to arrive at that "conditioning ride".
An experienced endurance rider (someone with several successful 100 mile
endurance rides under varying conditions) can usually apply tried and true
methods with inexperienced horses and, perhaps, find success.
So, as far as needing to "qualify" for hundred mile rides, of the ilk of
Tevis, perhaps the requirement is in place to maximize the OVERALL safety and
success of the ride, rather than as a means of "exclusion" directed at any one
individual who might, or might not, be a "horseman".
