By Brandon Bennett
FT. MEADE— The Black Hills Endurance Ride over the Fourth of July weekend gives horse and rider a workout on a course that takes them into the hills behind Ft. Meade.
Jennifer Masters is the ride manager and says this is a great time. “We have varied terrain, we have grass, and inclines where you climb and tests horse and rider to navigate the course,” she said. They’ve already had a race and 50 mile junior winner. Susan Masters rode Gypsy Brocade and 50 mile winner Vickie Kissack rode Maggie.
Masters added this is a perfect fit for the area. “With the history of horses at Ft. Meade and the beauty of the terrain it adds to the event,” she said. Given the horses are out on the trails this isn’t much of a spectator sport but people are welcome to look around or volunteer. People from all over come to the endurance ride like Texas, Alabama and Canada and everywhere in between.
Masters stresses that the horses are well cared for and a veterinarian is on standby and others are stationed on the trails to help if needed. If a horse is having issues then it will be disqualified to protect it. The race continues tomorrow and Sunday.
