I did a 25 miler back in 2000 when I was working in
NC. It was a great ride with great trails and scenery. My daughter
did it with me. Both horses barefoot. Unfortunately, we had to stop
suddenly enroute and neither of us got a completion as the VERY FUSSY vet said
the horses were off. My daughter's horse was pulled after first loop and
mine completed in good time but was off so they would not give me a
completion. I could not even feel or see what was off in her rear
end. Had no further problems with lameness, just some sort of soreness
from the truck having to avoid a collision. Would have gotten a completion
in TX but no best condition, etc so be aware the vets are VERY picky. Also
they did not like our horses UNSHOED. The trails are WIDE and not very
rocky. We had been riding trails in NC for 8 months at this
time. We have no rocks at our place in TX. In a couple of
months they horses adjjusted to more rocks in NC. There are a good many
slow climb hills as I recall.
The ride fills up so get your papers in early and
good luck. mas
Several riders from my barn are considering doing the Biltmore
Challenge 50. I was wondering if anyone on ridecamp has done this ride and
could give me any particulars. Does anyone know any of the history of
this ride, starts vs. completions. As a rule, how many participate in
this ride and how difficult is this ride? Does anyone have any
helpful information for us to make a educated
decision? Karen
