Re: The East Coast 100's

[Barbara Madill <madill@teleplex.net>]

At 11:49 AM 3/13/98 -0500, you wrote:

>I hear New Jersey had a small turnout as well- everybody's scared of the
>sand so they say.

        Sand is not an issue in the current location.  It was meaningful
when the ride was held further south where I rode it frequently.  I'm going
to fill out my 1998 NJ entry when I finish posting this -- hope to see you
there!!!!  The committe is so wonderful -- comprised of a local "ham" radio
club in conjunction with NJTRA (New Jersey Trail Ride Association) --
usually have WONDERFUL hot showers!

>I've been doing the Maine80 for 10 years and have decided to stop being a
>big baby and move up to the 100s.  

        If you can do an 80 you've missed the best part of the 100 -- the
last day!  Just no explaining the "80 mile high" after you've fretted and
worried about your horse and have found that he WAS ready ---

>Haven't been to Vermont yet as the don't let you camp but rumor has it that
may change too.  
        We are working on it!!!  Keep your fingers crossed!

        Vermont is where it all started in 1935.  Some of the mountain trail
names are picturesque and somewhat true -- "Agony", "Heartbreak"  (don't
think they use Agony anymore).  Used to be mostly dirt roads but there have
been more and more woods trails in recent years.  On the third day you're
smart to get the first 10 in an hour, allow your horse to ease up into the
woods (ALWAYS humid) as you climb and climb and climb -- the chocolate chip
cookies at the top are worthy of the journey!!  Then, down through the
birches and pines.  By this time your horse has learned how to slide on the
dirt roads -- it is wierd to feel but every one of the horses I've ridden
that third day course has figured out how to do it.  Feels like the horse is
skating along if the surface is just right.  
        You're SURE you'll never make it in on time and then you're worrying
if you'll be too early!!

>>Good Luck with the Biltmore - hope to get there someday too!<<< 

        The Biltmore 3 day 100 is run very similarly to the pre-ECTRA, SEDRA
rides.  Judges can experiment with judging systems and most are more
endurance oriented than not.  Held in October, it is a wonderful "test" ride
to use for a fledgling endurance horse without the excitement.  Camping for
people, stalls for horses.

        All of the above rides qualify for the East Coast Challenge Trophy
offered by Florida Horsemen's Association to the horse and rider with the
highest score (by ribbon placing) in three of the six rides.  The six are:
Florida 100 (January), Virginia 100 (April), New Jersey 100 (May), New York
100 (July), Vermont 100 (Labor Day Weekend) and 
North Carolina (Biltmore) 100 (October).  The trophy has been retired (won
three times) only twice --- both times by gentlemen in their 70's when the
retired the trophy.

Hope to see you soon!

Barbara