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RE: [RC] Decline of the 100 Mile Ride - Steph Teeter

Another perspective: 100 mile rides are also very tough on ride managers.
I've put on several, and unless you have a large turnout it is difficult to
justify the extra work and hassle (staying up all night, for starters). It
is much more satisfying for me to manage multiday rides.

I did learn a valuable lesson last year though - I was asked to manage a
late season (November) 100 miler so that folks could have a 100 to qualify
horses for the 2003 Pan Ams. I figured that nobody wanted a physical
challenge, they just wanted the miles. I made the course flat and easy. All
holds in camp. Lots of dirt/gravel road. Lots of repeat trail. Boring boring
boring. And the riders loved it! The times were fast, the slowest riders
were just under 15 hours. It was easy on staff and riders with all holds in
camp. I thought everybody would moan and groan about the boring ride, but I
guess boredom is a relative thing... especially when you're doing 100 miles.
I'll probably do this ride again, but just offer a 75 and 100. (there were
more entries in the 100 than either the 50 or 30!) And it will be easy and
boring... and maybe an FEI division also.

I suspect that 1-day 100-mile FEI world and continental championships are
currently the major driving force behind many of the 100 milers ... and
those that don't choose to compete at the FEI level will be looking more
towards multidays for a greater challenge. They're both tough, but multidays
are more fun. As a rider I do love 100 mile rides, and personally consider
them the ultimate challenge, and the greates satisfaction. But they are
tough! and tough on horses. And demand great respect.


Steph


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Replies
[RC] Decline of the 100 Mile Ride, Carolyn Burgess