Editor:

This is in response to Mr. Thompson's letter to the editor in the December issue of Endurance News.

This is my first year of endurance and competitive trail. After some great help from longtime riders, reading four books and devouring from cover to cover every issue of Endurance News and Trail Blazer magazines, it was my understanding that this sport was for anyone with levels for each and every one of those people and their horses. I for one am 38 and have been involved with horses nearly all my life but never had the privilege of the fancy lessons, tack, trailers, and horses growing up. It is only recently that I can afford to really get out there in endurance on my homebred 5-year-old Morab mare.

I work two jobs to get it accomplished. With the help of a partner, I have built, from the ground up, all structures, fences, clearing land, and graveling a half mile of road. Then there is the 20 tons of hay every year to get, bale by bale, out of the field. I certainly do not need to be coddled by anyone.

In Mike Maul's vice president's message about 100 mile rides, it is clear that the increase of other rides are up. Probably many of these people are just like me and many others that have certain limitations of time and money to spend, let alone the proper time to truly dedicate to a 100 mile horse. I have 10 rides on my calendar for 2004 and only one to two even offer a 100.

In my area rides available are down over the years. My closest ride is two and a half hours with the furthest being approximately 12 hours. Anything beyond this is just out of reach for now.

I really feel after years of serious trail riding throughout many mountain ranges in Montana and Idaho, endurance is what I call great fun and very serious horsemanship. So far the ride managers, volunteers, vets, other riders and suppliers have been great and I thank all who I have encountered.

I would also have to question how many lameness, metabolic, or even death issues of horses would be on the rise if more riders were challenged to do 100 milers just to be a real endurance rider.

As with all other aspects of life, my goals in endurance will be for me and my horse increasing or changing year to year. I am just beginning this journey and I am in it for the long haul. Whether I someday do a 100 or not I plan to do my best, respect and listen to my horse. And above all, have fun.

Robert McMannamy, AERC No. M31911, Spirit Lake, Idaho

Editor:

Thank you so much for getting my picture on the cover of Endurance News (January 2004). I never dreamed in a million years we would actually make it. I'm still grinning from ear to ear!

I've been riding LD for two years now and it's time to take the big step up to 50s. Wish me luck!

Cathy Barnes, AERC No. M30734, Jacksonville, Florida

Your letters to the editor are welcome! Mail letters to the AERC office at P.O. Box 6027, Auburn, CA 95604, fax to 530-823-7805, or e-mail to endurancenews@ foothill.net.