Second, I think you are wiser than many to option with a 25 mile to start.
I'm the ride secretary for the Quicksilver ride and in the past weeks I've
convinced a few riders to enter the 25 instead of the 50 for various reasons:
1 - rider feels her horse could probably handle a 50 (longest training ride
27 miles - non-competition frame of mind) and rider has recently recovered
from a broken back?!?!?! (and wants to do 50) I asked her how far do you
think your back will last? She entered the 25.
2 - rider/horse never done endurance, but want to. 14 y.o. mare, very
energetic, could probably do it. Longest ride - 18-20 miles non-competitive
trail riding! The horse get very competitive with other horses (and she's
considering a 50??). I told her my experiences with my gelding. A)
convinced her to get a pair of sturdy riding gloves and B) to do the 25
(she's also bringing her daughter as a jr. rider - 1st time out).
I've talked to many people who do 25's. They are a wonderful training tool
for many for many different reasons.
Best wishes and Ride Well. Remember the AERC motto is "To Finish Is To Win"
Mary Thompson-Moore and JA Monte Karlo
Sunnyvale, CA