New Mexico's Tall Pines Endurance Ride, now 27 years old, was recently held in Silver City, NM, at a new base camp, with new trails. The event, held in May, featured a fun ride, plus 30-, 55-, and 75-mile rides, and was sanctioned by the American Endurance Ride Conference (AERC).

Veterinarians examined each horse before the event, and also set requirements for the vet checks at each of three 45-minute rests. At each rest stop, the horse's pulse had to come down to 64 beats per minute before the clock started on the 45-minute rest break.

ACcording the Horsemens' Voice magazine, dozens of riders participated, with the largest number signed up for the 55-mile ride.

For those new to endurance riding, here are some of the AERC basics:

• Competitors ride over a marked course.
• There are no minimum time limits, but the horse have to pass strict vet checks during the ride, with horsees deemed unfit being pulled from the ride.
• Rides usually include a ride for Limited Distance (25-35 miles in one day) and for Endurance Rides (50-100 miles in one day).
• There are maximum time limits: 6 hours for a 25-mile ride, 12 hours for a 50-mile ride, and 24 hours for a 100-mile ride

Winners included:

•  Tim Lawrence, Arizona, on Syndee Kate, who finished first in the 75-mile ride
• Tracy Kaden, Texas, on FLF Sarahs Song, who finished first on the 55-mile ride
• Dave Finley, New Mexico, on OKW Fahrenheit, who finished first in the 30-mile ride

Future AERC endurance rides in New Mexico are scheduled as follows:

• July 15-21, the Fort Stanton I & II Pioneer, in Fort Stanton, NM. Visit www.rideandtie.org or call (505)897-4985 for information.
• August 18, the Caja del Rio Trails Fundraiser, in Santa Fe, NM. Call (505)455-2624 for information.
• October 27, the Paso del Norte, in Southern NM. Email renegade@juno.com for information.
• November 17, the Rio Grande, in Southern NM. Email renegade@juno.com for information.

Visit my website for more information on New Mexico horse events, or email me any time: nmbroker@earthlink.net .