The immortal Dr. Seuss, who penned this last book in a very prolific career, most likely never heard of endurance riding. The book, aimed at new graduates facing life changes, was never intended to inspire long-distance riders. Yet I think of that title when I head out on another adventure with a horse in new country and with good company: "Oh, the places you'll go!"
The American Endurance Ride Conference sanctions more than 400 rides in every corner of the United States and in Canada, allowing entrants to experience scenery that in many cases is not available to the average tourist.
In one summer you can start by riding 50 miles a day for two days in the sandy Pine Barrens of the New Jersey shore, and end with a 100-miler in the sagebrush desert at the Mexican border near El Paso, Texas, where border patrols watch for illegal immigrants at vet checks. Further north and west, the Cooley Ranch Rides welcome you to enjoy the scenery (and wines) of Northern California's Sonoma Valley.
In between those shores are the beautiful rock-strewn mountains of the Old Dominion with its Civil War history and oppressive yet challenging humidity, and the lush green mountains of the Vermont where you can share the trail with other dedicated athletes who travel on foot for 100 miles.
Going south to Talledega, Alabama -- more famous for race cars than trail rides -- you can enjoy the beautiful endless rolling trails of the Alabama Yellowhammer during the day and dance to a Southern rock band all evening, courtesy of your ride managers.
In the middle of this country are the sandy, deep conifer and hardwood forests overlooking the Au Sable River in Michigan where you can ride from Lake Huron to Lake Michigan on the 250-mile Shore to Shore hiking and riding trail.
In mid-July you can ride 100 miles of the magnificent mountains, canyons and meadows of the Big Horn Mountains in Wyoming where you are likely to see more moose than humans on the trail.
The heartlands of Kansas offer a different kind of vista, one of endless rolling hills with waving grasses and low-flowering shrubs between bucolic family farms.
In the Pacific Northwest you can ride among the towering trees of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest in the shadow of snow-capped Mt. Hood.
From there it is possible to be one of the 200 riders to join the festival atmosphere of the historically significant Western States Endurance Ride, or Tevis Cup, that follows historical pack routes over the Sierras from Squaw Valley to Auburn in 100 miles of scenic vistas, challenges and thrills.
The popular XP rides offer a different sort of challenge from the hustle and bustle of Tevis. In 250 miles of the Paunsagaunt XP Pioneer Randy Coleman Memorial Ride in Bryce Canyon, Utah, you will ride past ancient 200-foot-high rock formations and colorful cliffs formed over millions of years by sediment and weather.
The next month you can explore the North Rim of the Grand Canyon with its ponderosa pine forests and one-of-a-kind spectacular scenery. It's possible to spot the strange tassel-eared Kaibab squirrel while enjoying the changing colors of the fall aspens.
Whether you ride fast, slow, or somewhere in between, AERC offers you the opportunity to experience this country like few others ever will -- from the back of a good horse with like-minded friends.
At the end of his book -- which still has nothing to do with endurance riding -- Dr. Seuss says, "Today is your day, your mountain is waiting so get on your way."
Stick with AERC -- "Oh, the places you'll go." Happy, happy trails, Laura
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