I think the biggest difference has to do with the larger number of
people riding in the west, and the availability of rides.
Two-thirds of the endurance riders in the U.S. live west of the
Rockies.
All of the multi-day rides, the quickest way to accumulate a lot of
miles, are in the west.
There are more rides in the West Region, in a smaller geographical
area, than anywhere else.
All of this allows riders more opportunity to accumulate large amounts
of miles.
Nevertheless, eastern horses can do it. One of the very first 5,000
mile horses was from the Midwest (Louise Riedell's Caprison). There
are eight horses from the Southeast Region with over 5,000 miles,
including and Lain from Alabama with over 8,000 miles. And, of course,
Kahlil Khai from Alabama with over 11,000 miles.
--Joe Long Rainbow Connection Arabians PC/LAN Manager home of Kahlil Khai Calhoun Community College AERC Hall of Fame horse jlong@hiwaay.net 11,475 miles completed