Covering this month's column for Susan Kasemeyer is her fellow Southeast Region director, Duane Barnett, DVM, of Mocksville, North Carolina.

It is unfortunately obvious the last few years that 100 mile riders are in decline. The board has been discussing this and there have been ramblings on the email lists as well.

The 100s are the foundation of our sport. To many it is the ultimate challenge. If you have finished just one you have a taste of something few have accomplished. My top 10 Old Dominion buckle is one of my prize possessions. In the past we have put on a pedestal the horses and riders who have excelled in 100 mile rides.

Today, however, there are many threats to the 100 mile riders. Family time, career demands, simple economics, new members not ingrained with the spirit of our sport's founders, as well as or in combination with the growth in other areas of our sport such as limited distance and multiday rides, are just a few of the reasons for the decline.

I and others suspect one of the largest factors affecting 100s are the growth of the multiday format. It is definitely a challenge in its own right. Five consecutive days, 250 miles, same horse and same rider is certainly something to be proud of and quite an accomplishment.

It appears, however (and some statistics may show differently) that most of the growth in the multidays are the three-day rides. Is the three-day format growing because there are a growth of three-day rides or is the growth from individuals who come with two or more horses or with a family member who wants to ride also and they come simply because they can combine their resources for the weekend?

The ride managers are simply responding to demands by not focusing on the 100s. A one-day 50/25 mile ride in my area can easily draw 150 riders. If a 100 is offered at the same time managers are fortunate to gather 11 or more at most rides. So obviously many ride managers are asking, "Why should I subject my family, friends, etc., to the demands of a 100--not to mention the box of glow sticks, extra vet fees, etc., that has to be paid for out of other funds?"

Our sport is at the crossroad. Regardless, the 100s will survive. They are few but they will endure. The question in my mind (and others) is--in what form? Will we continue to see fewer 100 mile rides with the only survivors being large-entry ones such as Tevis and Biltmore? Will the surviving 100 mile riders continue to drift towards international competition? Or will AERC members slowly but surely decide once again that the 100s are the ultimate, and revive the foundation of our sport?

Hopefully over the next year or so a few board members, in conjunction with some of the membership, will be looking to rebuild the 100s. We need your help. Continue to tell us how we can do it or what it will take to tempt those who do not currently do 100s. How can the National Championship grow? There are many questions; together we can find answers.