Demystifying the 100-Mile Ride:

Pacific Southwest Workshop Prepares Riders for the Ultimate Endurance Challenge

The Tevis. Old Dominion. Big Horn. Swanton Pacific. These and other 100-mile rides are embedded in history with reputations as ultimate tests of horse and rider. Some fear that rider participation in the sport's original standard might be waning in light of the growing popularity of shorter distances and multi-day events. Others believe that the current generation of riders is increasingly wary of taking on the 100-mile challenge.

Responding to these concerns, Kim Fuess of FX Arabian Sport Horses hosted an endurance clinic for riders who want to move up to the 100-mile distance or improve their performance.

"My goal was for everyone to come away with new information, more confidence and less fear about riding the 100-mile distance," said Fuess. She dedicated the April 17 clinic to the "horsemen and women who stepped up to accept the challenge of one man, one horse, one day, and 100 miles regardless of the obstacles and hardships. The 100-mile distance is the foundation of our sport and should remain the ultimate goal for all who aspire to 'endure'."

The speakers -- all experienced 100-mile riders -- covered the spectrum of the distance from solid completers to those riding for placement. One rider came from a training background and another from a running background. One rider specialized in the Tevis Cup and another had FEI experience.

With Kim's menagerie of endurance Arabians, goats, rabbits, chickens and a single pot-bellied pig as a backdrop, 30 participants gathered in the "great room" of her new barn with light streaming in. Spreads of fresh fruit, muffins and yogurt provided sustenance until lunch, which would not disappoint: fresh wild greens with a potpourri of small bowls filled with everything from cranberries to goat cheese.

Kim moderated the interactive panel format, keeping everyone on course and often contributing commentary of her own.

The Panel: Vicky Greene (20 Tevis completions), Suzy Kelley (18 100-mile completions with 10 wins and 8 BCs), Tammy Robinson (20 100 mile completions and 2003 Pan Am PS Squad member), Jane McGrath (11 100-mile completions), Charlene Lewis (8 100-mile completions).

Is Your Horse Ready for a Hundred?

Tammy Robinson uses a series of rides, typically 50-milers, to incrementally prepare a horse for the 100-mile distance. After a series of fifties riding mid-pack, she'll move the horse up to a two- or three-day multi-day. She'll also try a 65- or 75-miler if one is available. If you have a limited amount of time to train, multi-days are especially good preparation tools, said Jane McGrath. Such rides are especially useful for teaching horses to eat and drink on the trail, noted Suzy Kelly.

"If any little issues show up on these rides," said Robinson, "it's going to show up on a 100." She generally won't take a horse to his first 100 until he is 7 years old.

Roxanne Greene, whose jaunty hat and take-no-prisoners attitude drew frequent laughs from the audience, countered, "There is no such thing as an issue-free horse. It's a matter of managing those issues. That's where horsemanship and good judgment come in."

The panelists pointed out that training miles also produce wear and tear on horses, and riders should be careful not to "grind on your horse," said Greene. "Don't trash your horse before you get to the ride," added Robinson.

The rider must also be physically and mentally prepared for the 100-mile challenge. Charlene Lewis emphasized the importance of riding in balance; Jane McGrath discussed the importance of rider fitness. A runner and ride and tie participant with 15 100-milers under her belt, McGrath believes that riders who "pop off and jog alongside their horse" for 15 minutes out of every hour or so on the trail do their mounts a huge favor.

McGrath also recommends cross-training for riders, including a strength-training program; exercises -- such as yoga, pilates, dance or simple stretching -- to enhance flexibility; and cardiovascular fitness, such as jogging, biking or swimming.

Quick Fix vs. Preparation: No Short Cuts to Success

The panelists were in agreement on this subject, cautioning riders that quick fixes are never a substitute for proper conditioning.

"I see people using a lot of stuff, from probiotics to carbo loaders," said Tammy Robinson. But, she cautioned, "Such products can give you a false sense of security if you haven't done your homework."

Chimed in Roxanne Greene: "There's no substitute for wet saddle blankets. On multi-days, probiotics and other supplements may be worthwhile. But you'll want to know how your horse is responding to everything at home before trying it on a ride." On ride day, Kelly emphasized, "Don't change what's working for you."

"Each horse is different," reminded Charlene Lewis, which makes it important to "Know what is normal for your horse," as Kim put it.

"A horse needs to be able to eat and drink in company," said Robinson. "He has to be comfortable trailering, being tied to a trailer or in a corral among 30 to 100 horses. He has to be able to deal with chaos." Greene suggested practicing by taking your horse to a show to hang out and tie to the trailer.

The panelists noted that it's not uncommon for horses not to drink for the first 25 miles. Riding bitless is a great way to encourage eating and drinking along the trail. All of their horses ride in hackamores, said Robinson.

Night-Riding: Keep the Lighting Low

"Your horse lives in the environment of no light -- he can [see in the dark]," said Robinson. Most panelists agreed that the key is not to disturb the horse's already excellent night vision with bright or sudden lights. Instead, use a soft, diffused glow such as Glo-Sticks taped to the breast collar or a small fluorescent light. Kim Fuess also carries a small flashlight for checking the trail map or confirming a trail marker as does Greene, who says "shine [the light] down your leg -- and don't flap it around!"

Greene, who has completed the Tevis 20 times, had some sage advice for Tevis hopefuls. "Go to Auburn at least three weeks before the ride and ride the last section [that you'll be riding in the dark]. Once your horse has seen that trail you can throw away the reins -- it's as if he has a little video-cam in his head."

When it comes to night riding, Charlene Lewis reminded participants "You really have to trust your horse."

Build Mental Toughness

"Riding 100 miles is 90% mental," said Jane McGrath. Don't think about the entire distance; break it into shorter segments, and "ride vet check to vet check," said Kelly.

"You have to have determination," said Greene. "Keep your brain turned on the entire time. Watch what you're doing the whole day. You can't allow yourself to become discouraged. You won't get through Tevis if you lose heart."

Pace Yourself

A 100-mile ride often feels like "three fifties all at once," said Greene. "You and your horse have to learn how to suffer. You and your horse's toughness will increase by going to multi-day rides."

"Train on the terrain of your goal," suggested Fuess. "You'll learn to know your horse's skills and talents and determine your horse's most efficient speed at each gait."

On a 100-mile ride, when projecting your average pace, allow for a lot of slow time, and be prepared to slow down and spend more time in the vet checks to let your horse recover, the panelists recommended.

Completion vs. Placing

"You're nothing if you're leading the pack into the first vet check and then get pulled. You're far worse failure than if you finished last," cautioned Greene.

"You can learn to be competitive, but not at your horse's expense," added Fuess.

Teach Your Horse How to Trot Downhill

"You have to teach your horse collection," offered participant K.S. Swigart. "Bring your horse's weight backwards, get its butt underneath and keep the front end up, so strength can come from the loins and belly. You can strengthen the loins going uphill, and when riding downhill, encourage your horse to push from behind with hind end underneath.

Choosing a Horse

"Any horse can be a 100-mile horse as long as he has a 'go down the trail' attitude," said Suzy Kelly. Greene agreed, saying "You can take any old skanky horse through [100 miles] if you know what you're doing."

The True Meaning of Endurance

"Riding one-hundred miles is the true meaning of endurance," said Charlene Lewis. "You're out there a really long time, and most likely riding at night, and you basically have to trust your hrose."

Fuess was pleased with the response to the clinic. "The interest in 100s is out there, at least in the Pacific South region, as we had 30 endurance riders attend, giving up an entire Sunday in which they could have been out riding," she said. "Only three attendees had never ridden a 50-mile ride, so the majority were experienced endurance riders. "Several indicated they would be trying their first 100-mile ride sometime this ride season."

"The feedback I have received from those that attended has all been very positive. Many indicated they learned a lot and enjoyed the panel format. A few riders said they didn't get a whole lot of new information -- but what they realized is that they were more ready to try a 100 than they thought before the clinic.

"As the organizer of the clinic, I found it to be a positive experience overall, and I encourage others that are committed to the 100-mile distance to put on a seminar or clinic," continued Fuess. "I was impressed by the turnout as I never would have expected to have this many riders interested in attending an endurance clinic. I was overwhelmed by the effort made by the speakers who volunteered their time, not only on Sunday, but writing and putting together handouts for the attendees. They are certainly committed to seeing growth in the 100-mile distance and were willing to do more then lip service."

In addition to serving breakfast and lunch, Fuess gave each participant a goodie bag which included a three-ring binder of workshop materials, a hoof pick and a tailing string. Lynne Glazer Imagery, Cowboy Magic, Trail-Rite products and Trail-Rite Training Center all donated goods and services to a drawing that capped off the seminar.

More Tips (note: check with your mentor and/or veterinarian to see if these suggestions are best for you and your horse)

• Give your horse small doses of electrolytes every 10 to 15 miles during the ride.
• In high heat and/or humid conditions, scrape off the water before it turns warm and apply more.
• Get off and walk into the vet check about a quarter mile before you arrive. While you keep walking, loosen the girth, pull out your vet card and wet the horse's neck down with water.
• When you arrive in a vet check, take off your heart monitor and snap it onto the breast collar over the neck strap so you can continue to monitor your horse's pulse.
• Get your crew bags organized and packed at home before you leave for the ride.
• Get off and walk downhill whenever you can.
• Teach your horse to tail.
• Your horse might "hit the wall" between 60 and 80 miles. Allow him to slow down in the heat of the day. He'll pick up the pace again in the evening when it's cooler.
• Go out for an hour and pre-ride the last loop, so you and your horse will know the footing and the finish line when you arrive in the dark.
• Stay with your horse (or have someone with him that you trust) for three hours after the ride to monitor his recovery.

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