Ridecamp: Re: [RC] [Guest] 100 Mile Rides

>Wendy Merendini wendy.merendini@xxxxxxxx
In my experience the pace is determined more by the terrain, the
conditioning level of your horse, the weather, rider bravery, than the fact
that it is dark.  I have done eight and even 10 mph pace in the dark quite
easily IF the conditions allow.  I just trust in my horse and they seem to
do just fine.

Wendy is correct that terrain has a lot to do with determining pace.  But as
for riding speed, I'd point out that Wendy is speaking here as a front
runner.  I've gone considerably faster in the dark than the 3 or so mph
average, too, but I dearly love night riding and learned a long time ago to
take advantage of darkness.  I can vouch for the fact that those who exceed
3 mph by very much are the exception rather than the rule, though, in the
scores of long nights I've sat at finish lines, knowing full well how long
it is in from the last check, and what time the horses left there.  I used
to really fret about it, knowing I'd likely go faster myself out there, but
after enough years of it, I finally realized that it was normal, and got to
the point that once the front runners were through, I could just about peg
the times on the other finishers using that 3 mph figure.

Heidi



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