•    This was the Old Dominion ride’s second year at their new location. Last year, the ride was moved from Front Royal, Va., to Orkney Springs, Va., with new trails and base camp.

•    “I was impressed with how beautiful the 100-mile trail was, even compared to the 50-mile trail,” said Claire Godwin. “The new trail and new base camp are wonderful. There are a lot of grassy strips to move out on the 100 trail; you can move a horse up to the 100-mile distance at this ride and not be afraid of it, because it’s really quite a nice ride.”

•     Bonni Hannah earned invaluable endurance education as a volunteer for rides. “I was a scribe, and I think every endurance rider should have to scribe at a vet check before they start competing,” she said. “You learn so much. I would try to sign up for the late-night shifts because that’s when you see a lot going on with the 100-mile horses. It got my feet wet. It helped me learn what to do and what not to do.”