Originally posted to the EDRA Facebook page by Dennis Summers.
DREAM BIG!
No matter what size you are.
For years I have promoted if you are gonna do this distance riding thing do it with the most well conformed, performance bred and suitable horse you can find. Then last weekend flash and her little buddy here slapped me on side of head with a gritty, tough and steady 100 mile finish. How did they do it? How can each of us learn from their great experience- accomplishment?
I would like Kyla to contribute here at some point but til then I will throw out my observations-
First, like the title says- dream big!
Any of u that know Natalie can appreciate her swing for the fence, the skies the limit attitude. It appears mini Natalie has inherited those same qualities.
Think about it, how u gonna reach the stars when you convince yourself it’s not possible? Well that attitude will get u to the 100 mile start line, now how to reach the finish line? In the interest of keeping this note from being pages long I will make a short list. As with all my posts my hope is that some of u will participate and comment,expand on these thoughts-
-as riders they were mentally and physically fit to ride the distance. They had trained hard and prepared well.
-they had their horses mentally and physically fit for the distance. Natalie had been in contact with me with regard to peaking and tapering them for their first 100. I think my suggestions caught her off guard but the result was great.
-they both have had the benefit of the experienced EDRA folk who have been willing to share info gained by thousands of competitive miles- invaluable info!
-they had great help along the way, all the way. On that last loop when woman and beast are tired and hungry they had Sue and Lora to meet them every so often with hay, water and hot chocolate! That is crewing! Those 2 do so much more than talk the talk, they went out till after midnight to help these 2 through. A great display of the EDRA spirit.
Anyway, from every experience there are lessons to be gleaned. From the performance of these 2 I think a good one may be- place no limits on yourself and your horse. Last year EDRA had the weight challenge and EDRA in motion. 2 very successful ventures. This year with the inspiration Nat and mini Nat provided I think a great venture would be “EDRA stepping up”.
That may be for 25 milers to get out of their comfort zone and prep- complete their first 50. For long time 50 mile riders that would be, u guessed it- prepping- completing their first 75 or 100. I would be willing to help mentor the 75-100 mile group and I’m sure experienced EDRA folk will help on the 50 mile group.
I think it best to start early like this for a big goal such as this. There are so many angles to improve the ultimate 50 or 100 mile performance. How early, well how about today! Take a look at this photo, really look at it. If those 2 finishing a 100 mile ride don’t inspire you you must not have a pulse!
Giddyup!