Well, the sport has changed a lot since I
started in '79 or '80. Some people DO have bigger and grander
rigs, our horses' needs are better understood and met, they do
turn out faster times and most are now healthier and happier at the
completion of rides. Unless we want our sport to stagnate and die
it must continue to grow, change and evolve.
That said, however, endurance provides the
avenue for any and all to participate at whatever level and speed we
wish. There are no requirements for style or age of tack, dress or
equipment (and you don't gain or loses points because of it).
Heart monitors aren't required, and adults are free to ride without
helmets if we choose. We are welcome to ride with or without
a crew (and there are some of us who wish we were lucky enough to have a
friend who always crewed for us).
Not everyone wants to ride in International
competition but for those who choose to it's very exciting and
rewarding. And, yes, those races won't necessarily be conducted
like those in our country. Just riding in different regions is
quite an eye-opener.
AERC has come a long way since it's beginning but one thing remains
constant: We can still ride our own ride!
I think that's what attracts most riders to endurance rather than
CTR.
Betty
So. Oregon