Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

There's really no "right" way to start competitive distance riding.  What matters is 
you, your horse and what your goals are.  For me, I've started 3 horses, all in 50's. 
 My first ride was a 50, it was the horse's first ride.  We finished in the middle 
of the pack.  HE was fine.  I could barely walk.  The slight slope from the horses to 
where the awards banquet was held was too steep for me so I had to walk backwards. 
Gad I must have looked funny, shuffling backwards along a perfectly flat-looking 
path.  They had dancing after the dinner but I just went back to my sleeping bag and 
crashed. :)  Fortunately it all got better.  I would suggest that IF you do a 20-25 
mile conditioning ride every weekend, you might indeed seriously consider starting 
with a 50.  Go as conservatively as you can for the first 25 miles.  Finishing, 
barring an accident of some sort, should not be a problem.  Only caveat is that the 
25 miler hot shoes will catch you about 45 minutes out.

If you plan to do fifties with your horse, the only negative to starting with 25's 
that I know of is that some horses figure out that the ride is "supposed" to be 25 
miles long.  When you start your first 50, THEY know they can ace the sucker with 
speed and you spend 25-35 miles fighting.  After doing several 50's, most will decide 
that the ride ISN'T just 25 miles but for some that never happens because they use up 
too much of themselves, get pulled and thus never GO 50 miles.  I wouldn't think that 
mindset would come about with only one 25... or two?

Good luck with your riding and I hope you have wonderful time.


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