Ride Like the Wind, a nationally sanctioned American Endurance Ride Conference equine competition, returns to Big Hill Lake in rural Cherryvale later this month, according to ride manager Melissa Martinez.
The event will be April 26 and 27 and features rides of 30 and 50 miles. Entries have been received from Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Kansas.
“Right now I have 44 entries, but they are coming in at a steady rate, and I hope for at least 50 horses.”
In addition to the long-distance classes, each day will offer an introductory ride of 10 miles to allow those interested in the sport to experience camp life at an event. A $50 introductory ride entry fee includes two examinations by the official ride veterinarians, one before and one following course completion.
This April marks the third year the event returns to Big Hill. Martinez, a Maize native, noted, “Big Hill is my favorite place to ride. It’s fun and challenging and just simply offers the best of everything. The maps make the ride easy to plan and execute. Great facilities.”
Chris Hammerschmidt, project manager at the lake for the federal Corps of Engineers, has seen growth in equine usage as facilities are continually upgraded. Since Ride Like the Wind started in 2022, a water line has been installed to the Timberhill campground and two permanent mounting blocks have been placed at equine camps. Both projects were partially funded by support from Labette County Tourism and the American Endurance Ride Conference Trail grants.
For the 2025 event, Martinez sees about 25% new riders and 75% returning competitors. Support crew and competitors will start staging at the South Equestrian Camp on Friday April 25. The introductory riders will leave camp at 9 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, well after the faster horses timeout. Preregistration is not required but all horses in camp are required to have a negative Coggins test and out-of-state horses must have a health certificate.
Martinez welcomes all to the Saturday evening potluck, where campers bring favorite dishes to share and furnish their own table service and beverages.
