So You Want To Be An Endurance Rider

Since I began endurance riding about 10 years ago Idoesn't matter how many times I do the same ride
have been asked many questions. Many of theseevery time it is different. The same things won't be
questions had to do with which rides do I like best,around the same bend each and every time;
how to do something and in general things you couldsometimes the bend is even in a different spot. I like
find in a book or by trial and error. Recently, I hadthe knowledge that what matters is the experiences
the fortunate experience of introducing someoneI take home with me.
new to the sport of endurance riding and was askedThen there is always the adventure that keeps me
the toughest question yet, "Why?"coming back for more. The simple knowledge that
I began to realize that putting this into words wouldmany of these great places can only be seen by a
take some time to collect my thoughts. Sure we allfew. I enjoy the challenge of getting to a certain
know "why" we love it, but when you have to put itplace with my horse. It is worth every step, bug bite
into words, how can we do it justice?and any other discomfort along the way just to
My family has asked me this very same question.know that they will soon be forgotten, with the first
Some of them think I am crazy (and the othersaah or wow of the view or the satisfaction of
know I am). They just don't understand why, why Icompleting the ride. I love the flowers and the trees
enjoy spending endless hours in the saddle,that surround me. I love the way being out there
sometimes not in the greatest weather conditionsmakes me feel, refreshed relaxed and carefree. I
just so I can test my (and my horse's) endurance. Ilove the smell of the woods, the dirt under my
think of riding my horse on top of mountains formedfingernails, and the scent of horse sweat while
in the last ice age with a view stretching for miles.enjoying the rhythm of his hoof beats.
How the clouds slowly approach against the backdropWhy do you want to be an endurance rider? For me
of blue while the trees sing when a gentle breezeit was not an easy question to answer, and I couldn't
blows through them. Listening to the distant call of aanswer it with only one phrase, such as I love riding
bird gliding along like a surfer rides a wave. Watchingmy horse. It goes beyond words; it's the feelings and
the sun rise, and set. How when you ride under thethe enjoyment of spending time with my horse, the
stars at night on a 100 you feel a peace that can'tgreat outdoors and the competition.
be explained.Endurance riding is a sport that has something for
As an endurance rider I love my horses, and I loveeveryone. You can ride alone, with your friends or
the outdoors. If you gave me a choice of going to afamily. You can start with a horse you already own
concrete theme park or to go hit the trail with myor search for the ideal prospect. Most riders
horse, the trail would win hands down. If you giveparticipate for completion rather than placing, for
me a choice of staying at a 5 star hotel or sleeping inthem riding 50 or 100 miles on a sound horse is
my trailer, my trailer would win hands down. I alsosatisfaction enough. The greatest reward of all is the
truly love taking care of my horses, feeding them,bond you will form with your horse and the great
cleaning up after them, and tending to their everyfeeling of accomplishment you will feel when you
need. I love watching them turn into the incrediblework together as a team.
athletes that they have become.A great place to learn more information on endurance
My curiosity makes me need and want to see whatriding is endurance.net or aerc.org.
is around the next bend or up the next hill, and it