Re: Fw: Elderly Horses and Distance

["Karen Sullivan" <greymare@jps.net>]

----- Original Message -----
From: "ruprecht" <ruprecht@tidepool.com>
To: "Ridecamp" <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2000 11:11 AM
Subject: RC: Fw: Elderly Horses and Distance


> >
> > Would you post a question for me on Ride Camp about what kind of
> experience
> > people have taking baby horses along with them on trail?
> >
> > I notice that we are the only people we ever see out on the trail with
our
> foal.
> > My guesstimate is that you can take a baby one mile for every month of
> age.
> > What do other people think?

I have been taking our foal on the trail for a year..........got her at 5
months and started on VERY short trail rides, under about 1/2 hour, just
following the mare I rode (not the dam).  There was, over the winter, a mix
of flat, little hills, and lots of going across little ditches and water.
going over deadfall, and experiencing birds, wildlife and bikes.

This was all discussed, and encouraged by my veterinarian......who felt up
to an hour of exercise several times a week was important.....along with
good nutrition (not over-nutrition).  So far, no joint problems, and this is
a very big baby, who is 14.3 at 16 months.

Most of the time she was loose, which I feel is very important that they
learn to think and learn on where they put their feet, and how they will
cross creeks.......they may make some mistakes, but better riderless than
when I am on her later.....

Also important to lead and pony nicely too......

At age 16 months she has been out 2 to 3 times a week (hauling in trailer)
to different places, and will carry a light saddle with flapping stuff....

I am also surprised more people don't do it......too many babies just sit in
small paddocks and don't develop muscles, tendons and ligaments.   In the
wild, they would be running up and down hills, playing and bucking every
day......

As far as the guesstimate, that would mean taking a 12 month old 12 miles,
which I feel excessive, sure wouldnt take a 16 month old 16
miles.........still feel that an hour to hour and half is the max until the
growth places close......
> >

Karen
> >
>
>
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