10/26/2026
Well, the Trick or Trot ride didn't go as planned, but that can happen. Lida and I were well past halfway on our second loop when she started really not wanting to go, which is not like her. We hung in for a while, but when I saw we had 2 big hills to go, I called it, turned around, got off, and walked her to ride camp. A finish is not worth it.
I came into endurance riding through Layney, a seasoned, well-prepared, well-educated endurance rider and previous marathon runner. I had a couple of horses who seemed to want to go all the time, so I trained with her and rode my first 2 25-mile rides last year at the Trick or Trot.
I went on to ride her horse Atlas in 2 25-mile rides and 2 50-mile rides. I never would have seen myself on this path, like, ever...I am always studying minute details of emotional regulation, balance, true collection, bits and bitting, performance, etc. So I kid you not that this was WAY outside my experience and quite outside my comfort zone, knowing so little about it.
But I have experienced things I never would have and met some amazing people and horses. Here are my personal takeaways from the Year of Endurance Riding....
•Horses and riders need a lot of preparation for even the Limited Distance rides. Even more preparation for 50s and 100s. Like WAY more. Find a mentor so you don't hurt your horse.
•Horses are the priority. Does their tack fit? Do you have the mix of feed that horse needs, including electrolytes and balancers? Is their hoof care dialed in (boots, glue-on shoes, nail-on shoes...) Are they enjoying themselves? What things do you have to do to keep their stress level moderate? How are you going to manage their emotions at a ride? Are they prepared for what they are going to see if it is new? Take them for many walks to graze and stretch their legs both before and after rides...And the list goes on.
•Rider fitness matters. The horse has to carry you (unless you run, which some folks do from time to time). So your balance and physical efficiency affect them a great deal. Get fit. Ride balanced. Work on your own equitation.
•People enjoy endurance riding for different reasons. Some like riding new places with friends. Others like the challenge of dialing in the training and having their horse at the peak of readiness for races. Some folks use it for personal and equine fitness as they run/hike big parts of the ride.
•Most light horse breeds can participate if prepared in accordance with their body type, disposition etc. I've seen Arabs (of course), but also a myriad of Arab crosses, Standardbreds, gaited horses, mules, ponies, mustangs, Morgans, Thoroughbreds and Thoroughbred crosses, Appaloosas, Paints, Quarter Horses, and my own Hackney Horse.
•Weather. That is its own post entirely.
•Terrain matters! Is it rocky? Lots of hills? Narrow, technical woodland trails or wide open spaces? This affects the training, the hoof preparation, fitness and strength preparation, and much more.
•You will NEVER be so happy to see a piece of pink/blue/red/green/orange ribbon in a tree, on a shrub, tied to a dead branch sticking out of the ground, spray paint in the shape of an arrow, a painted rock...because I am gifted at missing trail markers.
•You need to gather the "stuff," especially if you're not already a horse camper. Most rides will be multiple days, and to participate you'll likely need to haul in. So a reliable truck and a safe trailer are the basics. Then a place to sleep. In your truck? In a tent? You need a place for your horse to stay (portable corrals or a high tie). Bring your food, your horse's food, all the tubs and feeders and hay bags and supplements and blankets and coolers and leg wraps/clay and your drinking water and tack and first aid for horses and humans and all because ride camp is often quite remote. Don't forget satellite internet.
So what are my most memorable moments?
•Riding my first 25-mile race in driving rain and sleet. My mare couldn't have cared less, but I was probably way more exhausted than I would have been otherwise because of the weather.
•I never tire of seeing Eagle Canyon, and everyone should see it at some point.
•Riding at sunrise is amazing even if I'm tired.
•Seeing the stars on the way to the porta potty is unreal.
•Listening to all the people talking and laughing is a salve to the soul
•Some of us suck at figuring out Ride with GPS. I finally got it to work on the ride I didn't finish.
•Seeing these horses in every kind of enclosure just hanging out is crazy for a horse show girl. I mean, where is the barn? Like a strand of hot tape that's not even plugged in, and they're just standing around happy as clams at high tide.
•Trying to trot my horse for the vet after a 50-mile ride is ridiculous. Everyone can get a good laugh at that!
•Walking around at Midnight Rider around midnight, where the 100-mile ride was still going, and the trails were marked with little LED lights...people were outside their campers and trailers chatting and drinking, waiting for a friend or family member to finish...with the stars blazing overhead and the trail lights peeking through the trees....it was so surreal.
•Hanging out with the horses because they need care before, during, and after the ride. You need them, and they need you if you're doing this sport.
I don't know if this brings any useful info to those who have not been exposed to endurance riding. It's been a steep learning curve, and I'm not sure how well I've done.
But I've done it. And I think that counts for something.
