By JOHN T. TOLER

By JOHN T. TOLER

Rappahannock News Staff Writer

It takes a certain kind of individual to take on the rigors of endurance trail riding.

Risking life and limb — as well as a favorite mount — racing over rough terrain for long distances is hardly anyone’s idea of a Sunday outing.

But those who do always find it challenging and often rewarding.

Lynn Marie Wit tie, a Certified Public Accountant who lives in Amissville, and her sister, Jeannie Waldron, DVM, of Marshall, recently competed in the first North American Championship Endurance Ride, held August 9-10 at Swanton, Calif., near Santa Cruz.

Mrs. Wittle has been competing in endurance rides since 1978, recording 1,500 competitive miles on her favorite mount, Wickery, a 19year old unregistered mare, and more than 500 more miles on other horses.

Dr. Waldron worked with the veterinary teams that check the horses during the endurance rides for several years before entering the competition herself in 1984. She has logged more than 400 miles on her horse, Brombe, a 12-year old registered half-Arabian.

Says Mrs. Wittle of endurance . riding, “To finish is to win, and to come in with the top 10 is quite an accomplishment.” Both Mrs. Wittle and Dr. Waldron have been consistent top-10 finishers.

The two sisters and their families made the cross-country trek to Swanton in their “ancient Pace Arrow mobile home, pulling a fourhorse trailer modified to carry two horses.”

Such a long journey was an endurance test in itself, but once at the starting line, they proved that eastern horses.jare as tough or tougher thdri their western counterparts — even on theinown turf.

Competition begins

Fifty-five riders representing seven countries participated in the 100-mile endurance ride, which is sponsored by the Federation Equestre Internationale, an organization headed by Prince Charles of England. Riders came from Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the