This has been a concern in the AERC since the earliest days of AERC
recognition of these rides. They can indeed become more popular than
the endurance rides because they take far less preparation and
effort.
The point to be remembered is that rides shorter than about 50 miles
(some of us believe 70 miles) is not a test of the horse's or rider's
endurance. They can be completed with little or no conditioning by
any reasonably healthy horse and rider. That they can be very
enjoyable events for many people doesn't change this fact.
25 mile rides held in conjunction with endurance rides are
*intended* to be training and introductory rides. Some people like
to ride that distance or have some kind of disability for the longer
distance, and want to always ride 25's. Fine. But, don't lose
sight of the fact that if you do that you're still riding in a
"novice" or "training" division, that 25 mile rides are not a sport
in their own right.
Now, if someone puts on a 25-mile trail ride that is not affiliated
with an endurance ride, they can do whatever they want and call it
whatever they want. It won't be an endurance ride.
None of what I've written is intended to put down anyone. It is
intended to point out a very important distinction. Without that
distinction, 25 mile rides could become "the tail that wags the dog,"
because there are more people who will ride 25 miles than who will
ride 50, just as there are more people who will ride 50 miles than
will ride 100's.
(Now donning asbestos long-johns)
--Joe Long Rainbow Connection Arabians PC/LAN Manager home of Kahlil Khai Calhoun Community College AERC Hall of Fame horse jlong@hiwaay.net 11,450 miles completed