I ride endurance---50 and 100 mile cross country races. I have 7000 miles in competition in over 25 states. It is a hoot. Though it is a race, most riders are out there to enjoy the trail and acquire miles and good times. I have ridden on historic trails including the pony express (did 950 miles of it one summer- 50 miles a day) the Mormon trail, the Continental Divide, the Arizona trail and more.

I got a mtb because both of my mares are on 'rest' for the summer due to minor tendon injuries, one has been competing five years and one three. They are fat and shiny and roaming the pasture on vacation. They are bay arabian mares, 15 and 10 years old. I also have a 6 year old mare and a 3 1/2 year old gelding - all arabians, which is the primary breed used in endurance.

To learn more about endurance, go to AERC.org

I am a director and chair of the Horse Welfare committee for the AERC - American Endurance Ride Conference, which sanctions and keeps records. You can go the 'rider history' page and search my name and find my entire lifetime record.

I love my horses, but it has been nice to take the summer off and learn mtb skills- I am really enjoying it.

Ride on-

Laura Hayes