10 Reasons to try Ride and Tie

I'm sure most of y'all know that I do the occasional Ride and Tie race.  Sarah and I have mentioned them a few times in our posts and you might even have seen some pictures.  And while we're not experts, we do have a number of races under our belt.

So today, as part of Horse-Month on Saver of Memories, I'm going to talk a little more in depth about Ride and Ties.

What is Ride and Tie?

Long story short, it's a team race.  A team consists of two people and a horse.  The people take turns running and riding the horse.  The horse goes faster, so after an agreed upon distance/time, the first person gets off and ties the horse to a tree.  Then that person starts running on ahead.  The other teammate eventually catches up to the horse (who's been chilling and resting at the tree), mounts, and takes off after the original rider.

After passing and switching and tying (the people have to switch places at least 6 times, per the rules), all three members of the team leapfrog all the way to the finish line.

Why Ride and Tie?

Horse people shake their heads and ask "Why run when you can just ride the whole way on your horse?  Running is tiring!"  And then running people laugh it off and say "Why do I need to get on a horse?  I can already run the whole distance, thank you very much!"

So why try a Ride and Tie race?

Good news - I have compiled a list.

One - You don't actually have to race.

Sounds like fun, but maybe you don't like to ride your horse that fast?  Or maybe you consider yourself to be a slow runner?  Well, Sarah and I spend quite a lot of our races hiking (granted, we walk with a purpose and don't drag our feet; but we're not booking it along at a sprint, either).

If you want to just walk/trot the distance and have a relaxing time, go for it!  Just tell the race manager you're planning to take it slow, so they don't worry that you got lost.  :)

If you want to still trot along, but don't want to be part of the take-off at the beginning, just take your horse out of sight and wait until the other competitors have all started.  Then head out and go at your own pace!

Two - You don't actually have to run/ride equally.

Rules state you have to switch 6 times and at every vet-check (there are only mid-race vet checks if you do the longer distances).  You don't have to divide running and riding evenly.

This is part of the Ride and Tie strategy.  Where is each team member the strongest?  Have a good downhill runner?  Someone who likes charging the uphills?  What about your horse?  You can have the runner riding when the horse will just be walking, and have the better rider doing most of the higher speeds.

If you're a horse rider, you can find a runner to team up with, and just hike a quarter mile at a time while they get a breather on your horse.

Three - The Ride and Tie community is amazing.

I've never met such a more friendly group of competitors.  They've got the "if you're out here, you're a winner" attitude of runners, mixed with the cheerful encouragement of trail riders.  They're happy to see new faces, and they will try to convince you to try longer distances.  If you have any questions or want tips, they're ready to help.

Trust me, they'll make you feel welcome.

Four - Changing Places Feels Good

When you're riding long distances, it can be painful.  Your knees start cramping, your back starts aching, and the saddle just isn't as comfortable.  So it's really nice to get down and stretch your legs every mile or so.  And then, once you're getting tired of running and want to just sit down...there's a horse waiting for you!

Five - Any Horse Can Do It

Yes, breeds like Arabians have a natural advantage, but a Ride and Tie horse can be any horse that is in decent shape, is calm, and stands tied to a tree.  A slower horse that doesn't freak out while being passed on the trail and stands nicely at the vet checks can make your race much easier than dealing with a hyper horse for the whole event.

If you can trot the flats and the not-so-steep slopes, you'll be just fine.  There's no need to gallop the whole thing.  You're not riding the Black Stallion.

If you're worried about tying your horse, then don't.  You can do flying ties which is basically handing your horse to the other person without tying the horse.  If you both stick together and run/ride at the same pace, you can just take turns riding and running and never even stop to tie the horse.

Six - There's Always Equathon

If you really think this sounds cool, but just can't imagine getting on a horse or running a distance longer than from the couch to the fridge...try Equathon.

Same concept: two people and one horse on a team.

Except the horse and rider go out first.  They compete the distance on their own, like a mini little endurance ride.  Then they cross the finish line and get their horse vetted in.  Once the horse is checked over and reaches pulse criteria, the runner goes out and does their entire distance.  Once they finally cross the finish line the race is over.

You can also race in an Iron Man Equathon and do both: ride your horse, vet them in, then have someone put your horse away while you run out to do the running portion!

Seven - You Get Cool Swag

Seriously.

Eight - It's Fairly Inexpensive

You don't need to spend extra $$ on some fancy tack or clothing.  Just show up in the same ol' saddle you've been riding in - you and your horse are used to it!  Wear some comfortable shorts or leggings, and run in whatever kind of sneakers you prefer.  A water bottle in a saddle bag should be enough if you're doing a short race, but if you do a longer distance you might want to invest in a running pack to carry extra water in.

Nine - It's Something New to Try

If you're just a trail rider who would like to try something new, but aren't too sure about those 30-mile endurance rides or scary trail challenges, give Ride and Tie a try!

If you're a trail runner who would like to try something new, but aren't too sure about those Spartan races or mud runs, give Ride and Tie a try!

Ten - Boasting Privileges

How many people do you know who do this sport?  Wouldn't it be fun to try explaining this to friends and family.

Them:  You did a what???

You:  *grins madly while displaying your glossy photo of you running in a horse helmet and chasing after your racing partner who is riding a horse in running shorts*

Bonus - It's fun!

Okay, I'll be honest.  It's hard.  I've run in hot races.  Cold races.  Wet races.  Sometimes you wonder why you decided to come out and race at all.  But then you see the finish line, and you remember the beautiful scenery...jogging through a section of bamboo...trotting your horse along a nice long flat...and it's all worth it.  Because you're out there with your horse(s).  You're out there with your friend(s).  You're out there alone with nature.  You're out there with other people just as crazy as you are.

And it really is fun.

Want to learn more about Ride and Tie?  Check out their website for more information and to see if there is a race near you!*  And then scoot over to Sarah's blog to get 50 tips to conquer your first race!

*And no, I'm not getting paid to advertise this or anything, lol  Just spreading the word.  :)