Re: re: Conditioning Tips/Schedules for The Full Time Worker

["Becky Huffman" <tos@htcomp.net>]

I completely agree with Bob in what he is saying about building a top horse,
but that isn't the question I was answering.  The question was regarding
doing a few LDs over a season with limited conditioning time. (if I
understood - apologies if I didn't)

Becky Huffman, Cleburne, Texas
Huffman's Arabians ~ The Original Series ~
http://www.htcomp.net/Huffman/

"Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from
doing something worthwhile." Sir Wilfred Grenfell (1865--1940)


----- Original Message -----
From: Bob Morris <bobmorris@rmci.net>

> >>>>It is your job to make sure you have as much horse
> crossing the finish line as you did heading out the gate that morning.>>>>
>
> It is my firm belief that if you take this attitude you will never develop
a
> good endurance horse. Stress is what builds. Over stress is what breaks
> down. There is a fine line on each. Not enough stress and you do not
build.
> To much stress and you break down.
>
> However to have as much horse crossing the finish line as you did heading
> out the gate that morning means that you have not stressed at all. You
> should end up with a tired horse but not an exhausted horse. In developing
a
> top endurance horse it is imperative that you ride the horse to the best
of
> its ability and
> capability for that particular day.
>
> Bob Morris
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: Becky Huffman [mailto:tos@htcomp.net]
> Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2001 7:00 PM
> To: kdekany@custom-edge.com; ridecamp@endurance.net
> Subject: RC: re: Conditioning Tips/Schedules for The Full Time Worker
>
>
> I expected to see a lot of replies to this.  I guess most people are
having
> better weather then us today and are out riding.  ....so I'll give it a
> shot.
>
> I think it is ok to 'compete' (I use the term loosely) with minimal
> conditioning as long as you are *very* aware of where your horse is in
> regards to fitness and stick to doing rides he has a chance of finishing
> sound and healthy.  If you are riding a few minutes each night, are you
able
> to do longer rides on the weekends? start with some some 5 mile rides and
> when those are easy for him, go 10, then 15 (walk-jog-trot)((over
4-6wks)).
> If he can do that *easily*, still fresh when you get back, he should be
able
> to do a 4-5hr 25 over moderate terrain once a month.
>
> When conditioning time is an issue, I think it is smart to reverse the
> normal order of preparing to peak for particular competitions - instead
you
> should evaluate your horse the couple of weeks prior and make your
decision
> to go or stay home, or what distance to ride, based on your recent
> conditioning rides, his attitude and soundness.  It keeps you from locking
> the kids in a stall so you can get your riding time in without a
babysitter.
>
> The danger is that he might feel *REALLY* good for those first 5-10 miles
> because that has become routine to him, but don't overestimate he knows
how
> far you are going.  It is your job to make sure you have as much horse
> crossing the finish line as you did heading out the gate that morning.
>
> Becky Huffman, Cleburne, Texas
> Huffman's Arabians ~ The Original Series ~
> http://www.htcomp.net/Huffman/
>
> "Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but
from
> doing something worthwhile." Sir Wilfred Grenfell (1865--1940)
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: <guest@endurance.net>
> To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
> Sent: Saturday, January 27, 2001 4:14 PM
> Subject: RC: Conditioning Tips/Schedules for The Full Time Worker
>
>
> > Kim
> > Hi - Looking for some tips or advice.
> >
> > I just purchased an 11yr old gelding that has shown most of his
life...but
> has never done endurance/competitive trail. So he needs conditioning! He
> will be a rookie this year - I did 2LD's last summer on an experienced
> endurance horse...so we will only be doing LD's until we are both more
> experienced.
> >
> > Anyway, I work full time, and my job does require travel. I TRY to ride
5x
> a week, usually 30-45min sessions...but currently in the midwest it is
cold
> and snowy...so my rides are indoors in the arena, and it gets boring after
> 20 mins!
> >
> > Just curious to know what those of you with limited riding time do to
get
> your horse in acceptable condition for ride season? I have books with
> several conditioning programs, but they are not always realistic for those
> folks that
> > work.
> >
> > Thanks!
> >
> >
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