Re: RC: Re: Some of Us Didn't Stop at lst Level

[DVeritas@aol.com]

Yes, I do.
    I have never had a muscle cramp in my 16+hh Arab gelding and as far as 
"soreness"...never has been a problem, either.
    By "standing in line," I think you mean waiting at vet checks.  The only 
line I every really had to "stand" in was at Tevis.  Most of them, I just 
monitor my horse and "present" when it is best for him.
    My gelding has done what I would deem as "extensive" flat work,i.e., free 
lounging (when young), bitting rig (a bit older), cavelletti work of varying 
spacings, gymnastics (low), bunches of rhythmic work, serpentine, shoulder 
in/out and a bit of two-tracking, leg yielding and other lateral work.  This 
work was low intensity, never "drilled" and rhythmic with good tempo.  (All I 
try to do is get the horse to tighten its stomach muscles, lift its back and 
allow the rear end locomotion a clear path forward, around the arena or down 
the trail.)  I guess, for some, (me included) that can sometimes not be an 
easy thing to do.
    I found that that kind of work, over about a three year period, results 
in a supple, relaxed mount who's muscles and supportive ligaments, etc. are 
now "ready" to do some miles and, hopefully, will be able to "do it" for 
years without muscle cramping/soreness.
    Hope I answered your question...maybe you were looking for TTEAM stuff, 
rump rugs, equine chiro or rolfing, but I found that dedicated flat work, 
feeding into trail conditioning as a reward to horse and rider in sufficient 
amount and intensity to prepare for endurance distances usually works for me.
    I believe dressage, as well as working hunter, feeds wonderfully into 
"endurance riding."
    I don't "race," if I did, maybe I would have to change my philosophy, 
maybe I wouldn't.  Maybe one day, we'll see.
    Glad to see you do "both."
     Frank.