Are you new to endurance and wonder if you or your horse will
like it? Have you wanted to try a limited distance ride but lost your
nerve because you just didn?t know enough about it?
The Old Dominion 100 Mile Endurance Ride, Inc. wants to dispel
any mysteries, lay to rest any doubts, and encourage you to come experience this
wonderful sport!
The OD is sponsoring three training rides in August, September,
and October, leading up to the OD?s annual Fort Valley Ride on October 25-26,
where you can demonstrate your new skills on 25 mile (or 50 mile)
distances.
The rides are designed to build your knowledge and confidence in
the ability of your horse (and you) to "go the distance" on the scenic, but
challenging trails of the George Washington National Forest in and around Fort
Valley, VA.
You will ride some of the trails used by the Old Dominion in its
100 Mile Endurance Ride and limited distance rides. The area is rich in history
and in natural beauty.
Read the history surrounding the trails on the OD web-site
at:
Get acquainted with the type of trail we use. Short briefing on the basics:
tack, shoeing, riding, hydration, metabolics, rider wear. Three guided rides at
slow, medium, and "working" pace over two distances ? 6 miles and 12 miles.
OD will provide lunch.
September 27 ? 9:00 AM
Go a little faster and a little further. Guided rides over 12- and 25-mile
distances at medium and working pace. More technical information about
conditioning, electrolytes, equipment needed to camp and ride. OD will
provide lunch.
October 11-12 ? 1:00 PM
Experience a "virtual" endurance ride, complete with Saturday vet-in, ride
dinner and briefing, overnight camping, and riding 12 or 25 miles Sunday.
Receive a briefing on how to present the horse at vet checks; metabolics;
hydration; camping safety. You will ride this course without a guide, using
trail maps and watching trail markers. OD will provide dinner and a
continental breakfast.
After each ride, riders will gather for a quick debriefing, so questions and
discussion can add to the learning experience. Those who
participate in all three training rides will receive a discount on their Fort
Valley ride entry.
