I still remember the awe I felt when I saw my very first endurance riders in the late 1970s. How I longed to be a part of this very special group! With great inspiration, I entered the Tevis in 1984, and realized I would need a mentor to help me prepare. I called Susan McCallum, moved to Flagstaff, Arizona, and spent 60 days training with her in the mountains. Having a solid mentor was the difference between success and failure.

I believe teaching new riders correctly is vital so when Susan Kasemeyer approached me last summer at Ft. Stanton, New Mexico, about joining the Education Committee's mentoring program I was honored! Having spent most of my life in the classroom, the opportunity to teach others about the wonderful sport of endurance riding was most appealing; when and where to start? I didn't have to wait for long as two local riders informed me that I was their mentor!

We started from "square one." I listened and tried to answer their many excellent questions to the best of my ability. I wanted them to realize people and horses have individual needs and preferences that must to be taken into consideration. What works for one person or horse may not work for another.

Recognizing the horse's needs

The important first step was for the new rider to recognize the needs of the horse and establish good communication. The key to being a successful rider is being able to meet the needs of the horse, whether it is a special saddle fit, shoeing needs, dietary needs, conditioning program or all of the above.

Serious accidents can and do happen in the blink of an eye and I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having a good helmet and wearing it. I have had different horses fall with me and each time I hit my head, I was saved by the helmet! I probably would not be able to write this had I forgotten to wear my helmet. Recently, one of my riders went out on the trail alone and had some inconsiderate motorcycle riders blast by him causing him to come off his horse. Luckily, he was wearing a helmet and suffered only minor injuries. I fear to think about the outcome had he not been wearing his helmet.

Conditioning your horse

Next comes the fine art of conditioning and learning to ride many slow miles while teaching the horse to stay relaxed and to calmly deal with whatever it may encounter along the trail.

Often there is the belief that one must ride fast to get ready for an endurance ride. Riding 30 fast miles a week is self-defeating. It is most helpful for the inexperienced horse and rider to have a seasoned endurance rider to ride with. This promotes safety and teaches correct pacing. I will not ride with people that think the idea of riding through the desert at breakneck speeds is wise, nor would I want my horse being exposed to such unsafe behavior.

Endurance is not going to a ride with a fast, out-of-control, frenzied horse. That does not lend itself to longevity for either the horse or the rider. I tell my charges over and over that "terror on the trail" is not fun!

Many newcomers have a difficult time understanding the huge amount of time that goes into the making of an endurance mount. I spent 14 months just getting my new horse to walk calmly down the trail! There is no quick fix -- just lots of time, patience and dedication.

Rider fitness and preparation

As preparations for a ride continue, I stress the importance of rider fitness and taking care of oneself on the trail. Drinking water and eating is just as important for the rider as the horse. The horse's job becomes much more challenging if it has to carry a tired, lagging rider. The rider needs to stay focused and mentally positive so the horse can remain positive and enjoy its job of covering the ground.

Attention must be given to the horse's desire to eat and drink and the acceptance of electrolytes. If the horse is not eating or drinking the rider needs to evaluate the situation and seek the advice of the ride veterinarian. I remind new riders that speed is not their friend and to ride conservatively. I encourage them to put the horse's needs always before their own.

Post-ride care

The day isn't over after crossing the finish line. The horse requires post-ride care and the watchful eye of the rider to ensure that all is well. That means time spent cooling the horse, providing good hay, perhaps some soupy beet pulp, and plenty of fresh water. After the horse has had a chance to relax and cool down the legs should be massaged and wrapped. Depending on the temperature a blanket to keep the muscles warm and comfortable is advisable.

After the mentorees have finished taking care of their horses, I search their faces for that special smile telling me they had a great ride! If they're really hooked, they've pulled out a copy of Endurance News and are searching for the next ride. Their reactions let me know I've done my job and have given something back to this great sport!