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New Riders
...Information New Riders Should Know
...Information New Riders Should Know
"A physical and psychological need to gather in a remote location with other addicts in order to ride an equine partner long distance over various terrain in a limited amount of time in order to obtain a t-shirt".
It's all about a can-do attitude, never giving up, taking care and having fun with your horse with like-minded friends, riding in beautiful places, and becoming an exceptional equestrian.
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Horses, food, friends and good times. What more could you want
There are so many ways to camp with your horse. If you are a trail rider, you are probably familiar with camping with your horse. The best thing to do if you have a horse that has never camped or a new horse, is to practice at home with whatever containment system you plan to use before ever going to a ride. There are many containment systems to choose from, from simply tying your horse to your trailer, electric pens, corral panels to high ties and high lines. You also do not need a fancy trailer. Many people start out with a small bumper pull and a tent.
Socializing is a big part of the sport. You arrive at ride camp and meet friends, make new ones and have fun with the commeradery. Ride meetings are a good place to meet people and find out what is going on at the ride. Many rides have potlucks and other social events and some have a dinner the night before or even after the ride meeting. Food trucks are also becoming more popular at rides. Many people camp together and share meals. There is always something going on in ride camp and everyone is friendly and welcoming.
Are you up for a challenge and an adventure with your horse and friends
First or last, it doesn't matter. "TO FINISH IS TO WIN"
Getting to the start of a ride is your biggest challenge and endurance riding offers many challenges and adventures for you, your horse and your friends. You can choose to ride an Intro, 25, 50, 75 or 100 miles in a day. Most new riders start out with an Intro or a 25 mile ride. The 25 mile ride offers more bang for your buck if you are starting out and if you do not finish the first time, no worries. I guarentee you just learned a lot! You can ride with a group of riders at your pace or by yourself. There are mandatory vet checks at various points during the ride to make sure your horse is fit to continue, just do not forget to take of yourself. You will learn more than you could ever imagine about your horse and yourself in this sport.
Whether you finish first or last, it doesn't matter. The AERC mantra,"TO FINISH IS TO WIN", means just that and you and your horse have just accomplished something special when you both finish and get that completion with a happy, healthy horse. You have both worked together as a team to reach that goal, and there are so many goals to strive for in this sport. Mileage, longer distances, and the creme de la creme, Decade Team, which is a horse and rider team that has completed at least one 50 mile ride a year for 10 ten years. You will be hooked on this sport and want to continue to do it again and again.
AERC is the governing body of all endurance rides in all 50 states, including Canada. They have a wealth of information for new riders available on their website.
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