SEDRA announces introduction of introductory distance rides and drives

 I thought this was important to share with people who may be considering distance riding but aren't sure the sport is for them.  I was introduced to long distance trail riding by friend Gayle King a number of years ago.  I didn't own an Arab, but thought I'd condition Sierra (a draft cross) and see how it went. 

We had seven really good years and had recently completed our AERC and SEDRA 500 mile award.  Now, with a new horse, Heaven, an Anglo Arab I'm ready to get started again.  Only, this is brand new to Heaven so I'm taking advantage of the introductory distance rides program. 

We had our first ride at Spruce Creek a few weeks ago.  The introductory ride was perfect for her.  It gave her a taste of what limited distance endurance riding would be all about, but without having to complete a 25 mile ride. 

Our plan is to ride the introductory program for the 2013-2014 year and then move up in the 2014-2015 year to full rides. 

INTRODUCTORY DISTANCE RIDES (IDR) AND DRIVES (IDD)

A Great September Riding Weekend Saturday the 14th, Sunday the 15th

Today was a good day to ride the Little Big Econ. We had a nice, but small, group. Elizabeth Fromel joined us for her first time riding with the Chuluota Chicks! She was a natural. Her dressage training along with her fox hunting experience stood her in good stead. It was muggy, but we still had a good time.
Sunday morning we headed to Orlando Wetlands Park for an early ride at one of our most favorite spots.

It's Hot! But We Are Still Riding!

Here's a few photos from last weekend at Orlando Wetlands Park!
On Saturday the gang included Kim Huck, Caren Stauffer, Lisa Dietrich and me - we had a great time. 

In fact, we had so much fun, that Molly Smith and I did it again on Monday to celebrate the holiday!
Note:  OWP closes this year on October 1 until the end of January 2014 - so if you plan to make the trip, do it soon!

This weekend Lisa Dietrich, her niece Savannah Conley and I rode at Little Big Econ.  We thought we were going to have a bigger group or we might have gone back to the Wetlands.  Still, we had a nice ride.  It was Savannah's first time riding with the "old ladies!"  She did great, as did her trusty mount, Charm. 

We'll be headed out again next weekend if anyone wants to join us!  The first ride of the season, Scenic Spruce Creek No Frills Fall Rides are Saturday September 21 (Endurance) and Sunday September 22 (Competitive Trail) with a fun ride each day!  Heaven and I will be on the fun ride on Saturday!