Old Dominion Equestrian Endurance Organization, Inc.
Membership Packet
Welcome to the Old Dominion Equestrian Endurance Organization, Inc.!
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The Old Dominion Equestrian Endurance Organization hosts three endurance rides in Virginia:
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No Frills
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The Old Dominion
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Fort Valley
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as well as other activities to support the sport of endurance.
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The Old Dominion 100 Mile Ride, held on the second Saturday in June, is one of the premier 100 mile endurance rides in the country. Founded in 1974, it was first run in Leesburg, VA and moved to Front Royal, VA in the Shenandoah Valley in 1981. The ride moved to its current location in Orkney Springs, VA in 2008.
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It is a rare opportunity to follow a linear course, much of which is through the mountains, with steep climbs and descents. The terrain is rocky in places, but experienced competitors will tell novices that the rocks are more a mental hazard to riders than a physical one to horses. They are adventure rides; a true test of a horse and rider team. Truly one horse, one rider, and the trail: scenic, spectacular, historic, undeniably difficult but ultimately rides that can be completed. Our June ride, The Old Dominion, is what the slogan of our sport means:
“ To finish is to win.”
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Please enjoy our below articles. Some are old, some are new, but they all help you learn the sport. Please also check out the information under our "Education" tab. If you ever have any questions, feel free to contact us through the "Contact" tab.
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We hope to see you out on our trails!
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Map #1 accessible from Camp Roosevelt
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Map #2 of Fort Valley
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A Ride Through History by Zoe Sollenberger
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How to Avoid Common Mistakes Made at Endurance Rides OR How to Do the Best by Your Horse by Nancy S. Loving, DVM
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Carry an Easyboot... or Get a Sense of Humor! Brochure from 2005
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Why Does My Horse Need Electrolytes by Michael Foss, DVM
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Preventing Dehydration in the Endurance Horse by Gayle Ecker
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Dress for Success by Matthew Mackay-Smith, DVM
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Itinerary for an Endurance Ride by Susan Trader
- New to Endurance?
- Need Even More Resources?
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Matthew Mackay-Smith
“The Old Dominion welds the works of nature to those of man in a special way, some would say a demonic way! The ups and downs of the course match the highs and lows I have known upon it. It teaches humility, self-discipline, perseverance, self-reliance. The challenge is ever-present and ever-changing. That these historic man-made routes over an odd jewel in the earth’s necklace should draw so many back and back again is proof of the Old Dominion’s magic.”
Tom Sites
“I think that the OD in its current course is a masochist’s dream. It’s breathtaking; you wind around those country roads and honeysuckle scents, the early morning mist and the beauty of fresh horses are the highlights of the day. The rest, spare a good view from Kennedy Peak, is work. Rocks, sweat, bugs, and more rocks….”
Winkie Mackay-Smith
Thoughts on the Old Dominion:
Friends and a task to do
Together in spirit
Alone in fact.
Friends striking out together
Each to his own exaltation,
All to a common experience.
Sharing the toil, the moistened sunrise,
The trees, the sun,
the cool water respites,
The endless track, the shadow of night.
Sharing the breath and strength
Of a companion beast
in the moonlit silence,
Slipping toward a common bond –
A mountain conquered, a task well done.