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I have been really interested in endurance riding, especially as a way to keep my horse fit in the spring and summer.
I have gone on the ACTHA website, but I’m a little overwhelmed and not sure where to start. I e-mailed a ride nearby, but didn’t receive answers to all of my questions and still not quite clear what to expect.[/QUOTE]
ACTHA is not an Endurance organization. As a matter of fact they have nothing to do with distance riding at all. So toss that name off your list.
So here are my newbie questions:
Is there another organization that governs endurance riding?.. I’m looking for 25 mile rides working up to 50 mile rides.
The organization that is the official national governing body for the Endurance sport in the US is the AERC. They write the rules and keep the competition data for all the sanctioned LD (Limited Distance) and Endurance rides in the US.
I routinely take my horse for 10 mile rides, and she is very fit but obviously would need to train for something longer/harder. Is there a sort of mentor program?
Yes, the AERC has a mentor program. There is also a sticky at the top of this forum for sites that have conditioning programs and training suggestions. So check out those posts first.
I’m a little aprehensive with the idea of riding solo for 25 miles alone–are the trails marked, do you follow a map?
Yes, and yes. 
Go read those stickies I talked about - they will explain. Or go here: How to Ride Endurance
Do you need to be a member …to compete?
No. If, however, you want your ride results (at sanctioned AERC rides) to count towards year end awards, you will need to be a member of AERC.
Are there other good resources/reading material? I’m located in Maryland and at least to get my feet wet would like to stay within a couple hours of Frederick, MD. Is this possible?
Yup. The Old Dominion Endurance rides holds rides three times a year, and this year is going to be hosting the AERC National Championship ride in Fort Valley (near Front Royal) Virginia. There is an OD ride coming up - the No Frills - this weekend if you want to tootle out to watch. It also has a short (18 mile) Introductory ride if you want to jump in with both feet. The information and directions are on the OD website (olddominionrides.org). Fair Hill in Maryland also hosts a ride in the spring - unfortunately, you just missed it.
What sort of tack/equipment would you recommend someone buying to participate in endurance riding/what can be re-purposed from existing English tack/apparel?
Again, all that info is in the link I gave you on learning how to ride endurance. Just grab a glass of iced tea, make yourself comfortable, and enjoy an hour or so reading and learning all the fun ins and outs of the sport.
Thanks!
You’re welcome.
