Why would anyone ride 100 miles? I asked this question a few months back and received so many great responses that I decided we should continue this conversation with tips from those who have been there and done that -- the 100-mile riders. The following tips come from members (past and present) of the national endurance training team (for the World Endurance Championships held in 2005, and the recently held World Equestrian Games) and other experienced 100-mile riders.

Sue Summers. (Sue has completed 35 100-milers.) Sue's tips come from being a farrier, as well as a rider. "With 100s, you can't get away with bad shoeing. Don't go longer than one week (to replace shoes) before doing 100 miles. Have your farrier make you a set of shoes -- with pads included if you use pads -- and carry them to rides with you, especially if you have special shoeing needs. That way the ride farrier can quickly and easily replace your lost shoe(s) without adding stress to your ride."

Sue also says she never leaves a vet check without taking her horse's pulse right before she leaves; even if her horse vetted through the hold in fine shape, she uses that pulse (the one she takes right before leaving the hold) as part of her strategy in riding the next loop. She also cautions that in a hold, if your horse is eating and drinking well, and you feel your horse needs a little extra time to continue eating, then take that extra time. In doing a 100, that little extra time may pay off in the long run.

Sue advises conditioning by yourself. "You are going to think it's great to ride and buddy up with someone and ride 100 miles, but stuff happens, and that person gets pulled and you are on your own. If you have conditioned alone, your horse will be able to continue without losing too much motivation if his buddy is pulled."

Carol Giles. (Carol has completed 15 100s.) Carol warns, "At your first few 100s, don't get surprised that you have some down periods and your horse has some down periods. Don't get discouraged. Slow down and work your way through it."

Carol suggests that riders need to spend some time getting themselves in shape, walking a few miles a day or running up flights of stairs a couple of times a week. Go to the gym, she says; you don't have to be marathon runner or a weight lifter, or even a gym rat -- you just need to have some physical strength and stamina. You'll be glad you walked those stairs instead of taking the elevator when you get to mile 80!

Finally, think about how you are riding when you get tired. When you get tired, every bad riding habit that you have will be more pronounced during the last 25 miles of that 100. If you are unbalanced, you are making your tired horse work really hard. Think about yourself as a rider. Your horse will thank you.

Carol observes, "I love riding LDs. I love riding 50s and 75s. But there is nothing quite like riding 100 miles. I promise you, the bond you have with your horse will be magnified at least tenfold."

Finally, don't forget to have a good time. "It's incredible out there."

Sharon Westergard. (Sharon has com­pleted 32 100s). "Don't try anything new, not even a new pair of tennis shoes, and especially not a new saddle," cautions Sharon. "Don't try new things with your horse the week before you do a 100."

Sharon passes on the recipe for the Westergard Oat Float: "A bucket of water, a little bit of rice bran, and float some oats on top. I have not seen a horse yet who does not drink the whole bucket."

Ona Lawrence. (Ona has completed 49 100s.) "Most horses excel at distance if ridden within the parameters of their individual conditioning/ability," notes Ona. "Long miles build strength, character and endurance. My good horses have carried me through almost 5,000 miles of 100 milers."

Ona's tip: "Drink before you are thirsty, eat before you are hungry." Ona attributes Lew Hollander with this advice. In a nutshell, take care of yourself in order to take care of your horse.

Ona states that 100-mile endurance rides have taken her to the far corners of the world. "I credit the rides in the Northwest Region for preparing me to meet the challenges of the Race of Champions, Tevis, North American Endurance Championships and PanAms."

So -- are you ready? These four riders, and many other 100-mile veterans, are willing to share their experience and tips with you, and they invite you to ask them. G Submitted by Carol Giles. Taken from the 2006 PNER convention, Northwest Region and interviews of international riders.

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