First there was Tevis, the grandfather of all endurance rides. From there, endurance redefined itself and created the 50-mile ride, which was initially seen as a way to train for 100-milers. Later still came the limited distance program. And while the face of endurance continues to redefine itself, we should remember that our history lies with the 100-mile ride. It is, and always will be, our greatest challenge, our greatest accomplishment, and our crowning glory. And yet, for a variety of reasons endurance finds itself with a decline in the number of 100-mile rides and riders.

Recognizing the fact that, without 100-mile rides and riders, there is no way that international riding in the United States can flourish, AERC International is exploring ways to promote 100-mile rides and help riders interested in doing their first 100-milers.

Interestingly, AERC members in the Northwest Region recently held an informal meeting to bring together experienced 100-milers and those considering their first 100-mile ride. Experienced riders were asked to bring five "pearls of wisdom" to share. The exchange of information that resulted created an amazing amount of enthusiasm for 100-mile rides.

AERC-I would like to share some of those comments in the hopes that it might encourage more riders to consider riding 100-mile rides and perhaps, in the long run, allow new riders to expand into the international arena. This article will examine why anyone would want to ride 100-miles. In future articles we will discuss thoughts on whether you and your horse are ready for a 100-mile ride and gems on training, shoeing, care of the horse and rider and many other topics.

Why ride 100 miles?

Bruce Weary: "There are so many appealing things about 100s. It drives your friends crazy to think you are fit enough to do such a thing and they are not. You can brush up on your sleep deprivation tolerance. You can see many things in the dark that are not really there. You can form a rash where you never thought possible. You can have a vet check your horse at 2:00 a.m. without him ever leaving his warm camper. You can bury your face in your horse's mane at the end of the trail and thank him profusely. And you can have your first beer at dawn to toast the new day, revel in your accomplishment and drop off to sleep not really minding every ache and pain you so deserve."

Jennifer Strelkauskas, DVM: "As a personal note, I think I can honestly say that I have been up for the finish of every 100-miler I have been privileged enough to vet and I would not trade it for all the sleep in Nod! I cannot begin to describe the feeling of seeing those incredible teams of athletes come into camp whether it is at 10:00 p.m. or 5:00 a.m. To me, those riders that choose to go 100 miles make up an elite corps that we can all aspire to join. I have seen them ride all day and half the night and still jump up to help a horse or rider in trouble -- even when it takes the other half of the night. I can guarantee that if I am vetting, you will hear me cheering no matter when you come in. You deserve it."

Ona Lawrence: "Haven't you ever wanted to climb a higher mountain, run a little faster or farther, swim all the way across a huge lake, challenge yourself to do just a little more? Most of us have that desire. I know I do. I realize that for many, 25 or 50 miles is plenty, and I applaud them for their efforts. But for me, the 100-miler is the distance this sport was founded on and I truly believe the 100-miler is the best test of a horse and rider. It is the 100-mile rides that have taken me to the far corners of the endurance world. I have been places and seen things I never would have imagined. I have been tired, thirsty, hot, cold, disappointed to the depth of my soul, thrilled, amazed and exhilarated beyond words. I would not change a single moment."

Truman Prevatt: "Hundreds are yet another level of pain. It is going on when you would rather not. It is reaching down and finding something extra to leave the vet check when you could call it a day. There is no magic potion that will help. It is the desire to do it and the guts to make it happen. If you do not want to endure the pain, don't sign up for a 100. If, however, if you want to experience a high that you have never experienced before on horseback then you want to do a 100. Remember though, it does not come free. The last free lunch you got was from your momma."

Carol Giles: "Although I love riding LDs, 50s and 75s, there is nothing quite like riding 100 miles. Imagine the first time you ride in the pitch dark -- so dark you can't see the white horse of the rider in front of you. Imagine the nerves (or absolute fear in my case), and imagine the incredible sense of achievement when you cross the finish line having battled that fear and won. Imagine the amount of faith you have in your horse after he takes wonderful care of you through those dark hours and never takes a bad step. And imagine the next time it gets dark and you look forward to it with anticipation, knowing it will be an experience like no other as you and your horse trot down the trail and smell the dew come in and watch the stars twinkle.

"I promise you, the bond you have with the horse you already love will be magnified at least tenfold. But don't think it stops there. Friendships are made stronger by dealing with adversity together. You will see the best and the worst in those you ride with over 100 miles. If you are lucky enough to be with a stellar person, you will forge a bond that will last a lifetime."

Dot Wiggins: "Go for it while you can. You will have fun! Nothing beats the feeling of having met a challenge and won like finishing a 100-mile ride."

Dennis Summers: "I won't give anyone a hard sell that 100 miles is the only worthwhile goal. Depending on you and your horse's desire and ability, there are a hundred goals to strive for. The main thing is to have one and to work toward it. With that said, the goal that gets my motor running is to prepare myself and my horse to perform to the best of our ability on 100-mile rides. Don't misunderstand me -- I enjoy the whole process. The training, build-up rides and the occasional fast short rides are all a lot of fun. First and foremost though, they are steps pointing toward a better 100-mile ride.

"There seems to be a 50-mile ceiling for many that I feel is more mental than physical. I see many horses at rides that are up to the challenge of a conservative 100 miles. Are you?"

Sandy Cheek: "It is just an amazing experience -- the bonding you have with your horse after he (or she) carries you through those dark trails with energy and enthusiasm to spare. It is absolutely the essence of what endurance is all about. I have never, ever, ever given a moment of concern about my placing, my time, or anything on a 100. It's been completely focused on my horse's welfare and how he is doing as the day progresses. And coming across the finish line, it's only been about the joy of accomplishment and a profound awe at what these amazing wonderful animals/athletes do for us."