This information-packed international bestseller should be on every endurance and competitive trail rider's shelf. To spend hour after hour on the back of a horse is a dream come true for many riders. To ride for miles--25, 50, or even 100--on a fit horse, is an extremely satisfying experience, whether done in competition or just for pleasure. This thrill does not come easily however; it requires immense dedication from the rider and a lot of hard work from the horse. No other equestrian sports demand such a continuous training effort as do endurance and competitive distance riding. To reach the highest level of the sports--competing in a 100-mile ride--requires years of careful conditioning. Even a 25-mile ride demands close attention to every nuance of a horse's being--during the many miles of work beforehand and during the competition itself. It is the horse's welfare that must come above all else.

"Written and illustrated by the 'Erma Bombeck' of the endurance set, this compilation of short stories and cartoons by Angie McGhee is the culmination of more than a dozen years as a humorous columnist for Trail blazer magazine, Endurance news and other publications... Angie's stories highlight not only her own experiences in the world of endurance but also includes musings on her first pony, horseflies and bad housekeeping, as well as dozens of humorous cartoons depicting situations most riders can identify with and laugh at."-- http://www.longridersgear.com/LongRidersFallCatalog.pdf

Discusses the history of cross-country and endurance equestrian events, and covers topics such as training, equipment, obstacles, rules, judging, risks, breeds, and stars of the sport.

The first book about endurance riding written specifically for those beginning in the sport, this guide covers selection of horse and tack, training and conditioning and takes you through a complete ride day, including post ride day. There are plentiful anecdotes and a lively pace, along with over 100 images.

The equestrian pursuit known as Cowboy Dressage melds the best of Western riding traditions and classical dressage in the pursuit of a harmonious relationship with a horse. Intended to be accessible to all, Cowboy Dressage is open to all breeds and all levels of riders; there isn’t a set frame for overall look, head carriage, or action. Lifelong horsewoman Jessica Black traces the evolution of Cowboy Dressage back to its roots, sharing the story of Eitan and Debbie Beth-Halachmy and their phenomenal Morgan horses that have served as the movement’s ambassadors. Black then expertly weaves Eitan Beth-Halachmy's experience and expertise into an engaging and articulate explanation of the philosophy of Cowboy Dressage; defines the expectations of the rider; describes what a participant needs in terms of equipment; and explores how the most important element—the horse—should be prepared. A wonderful and thorough section on groundwork, as well as specific training advice for achieving engagement, regulating the gaits, smoothing transitions, and balancing bend and straightness, get the reader started with a solid foundation. Specific descriptions of the Cowboy Dressage tests are provided, with additional tools for those interested in competition, including rules, divisions, and how to execute and judge tests.

The director of the riding program at Sweet Briar College for more than 30 years, Cronin is a well-known and highly respected trainer and riding instructor. Here he presents a clear and practical guide to getting the most out of a horse in a humane and sensitive way.

Karen Bumgarners Americas Long Distance Challenge fills a long overdue need within the sport of distance riding. It makes it clear that being a successful endurance competitor is more complex that simply running your horse as hard as possible..she does an excellent job of showing that the proper care, conditioning and concern for the horse the hallmark of the good competitor and the sport itself. Kerry J Ridgeway, DVM past Chairman of the AERC Veterinary Advisory Board

Riding 2,000 miles on horseback from Montana to New Mexico sounds like a crazy but thrilling dream or pure hardship and exhaustion. According to Bernice Ende, the trip was all that and more. Since swinging her leg over the saddle for that first long ride in 2005 (at the age of 50), Ende has logged more than 29,000 miles in the saddle, crisscrossing North America on horseback - alone. More than once she has traversed the Great Plains, the Southwest deserts, the Cascade Range, and the Rocky Mountains. Along the way, she discovered a sense of community and love of place that unites people wherever they live. From 2014-2016, she was the first person to ride coast to coast and back again in one trek, winning acclaim from the international Long Riders' Guild and awe from the people she met along the way. Bernice Ende's memoirs are illuminated by accompanying maps of her routes and photos from her journeys, capturing the instant friends she meets along the way, and her ongoing encounters with harsh weather, wildlife, hard work, mosquitoes, tricky route-finding, and the occasional worn out horseshoe. Ende reveals her inner struggles and triumphs - testing the limits of physical and mental stamina, coping with inescapable solitude, and the rewards of living life her own way, as she says, "in her own skin." Saddle up and come along for the journey of a lifetime.

Lara Prior-Palmer was seeking the unknown. In search of adventure aged nineteen, she entered the world's toughest horse race - a 1000km. ride through extreme conditions in the Mongolian wilderness.