Questions about long distance riding?

I ride CTR and endurance. I personally ride a Saddlebred. We beat 101 arabians for best condition in our last race. You want to look for a horse with long, lean muscles, not bulky like a quarter horse. You also want thin skin so heat dissapates easily. A long stride will carry you faster and a good mind is the most important. You will do well on an Arabian, Saddlebred or a cross with an Arab and Saddlebred or Morgan. Stay away from gaited breeds for these sports. They do not have the endurance and their gait does not work well for long distances. You are right, the key is long trots. Also some hill work. You will need a heart monitor - $100 = and train, keeping the heart rate between 120 and 150 for aerobic work. You can use almost any horse in good shape for a novice CTR ride. Also, 5 miles a day may not be what your horse needs. The key also is being in the saddle for 25 miles and your horse being out for 25 miles. It is a fun sport but do your training. You don't want to hurt your horse.