Re: RC: DVE/LSD (Long)

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

>Karen wrote:
> I personally think that alternating horses on a multiday is the best way to go, > > and have done that a lot with my two horses.  It is a lot easier to keep them both > going that  way (conditioning wise), and I think it's better for them.  

I agree...must be nice to have two horses to compete on.  Unfortunately,
I don't have that luxury. Maybe in a few more years when my new guy
Magic grows up. Wanna load me Weaver or Rocky til then? <grin>

One other question on multi-days while we're having this conversation.
What kind of electrolye regimen do you use on a horse who will be doing
5 days in a row?

> A year ago I probably would have said that I'd give a
> horse a month off after doing a 5 day ride (though I haven't always done
> that <g>), and now, after I have seen what my horses have been capable of I
> would have to say that I have no answer.  :+D   My horses and I don't
> exactly exist in the same reality (yet) as most of you.  (I need a 12-step
> program, or so I'm told.....)

Hmmmm...not sure I understand that last part...perhaps you can explain
it to me over a Marguerita? Having only one horse, I have often beeen
sorely tempted to do a 50 two weekends in a row, especially when there
are two rides on consecutive weekends and then not one for several
weeks. I miss some of my favorite rides that way, but I just feel Sunny
needs the two weeks off and haven't changed my mind.  Another reason I
am reluctant to do 100's....I would feel obligated to give him a month
off and I seem to get out of riding shape more quickly as I get older.
<grin> However, sooner or later I want him to have a few 1 day 100's. 
Maybe just Tevis and OD...what do you think? :)

> 
> I still think we're putting a lot of wear and tear on our
> horses by top tenning or riding them up in the front, especially on rides
> with a large number of entries or with a lot of good competition.  No
> matter how capable or conditioned our horses are, we are taking greater
> chances with them when we ride them fast on a ride.  Even if we don't end
> up in the top ten or whatever, riding them hard can really take it's toll
> on a horse.  Lots of riders won't realize this, and very few horses IMO
> should be going out and top tenning (or trying to) every ride they do.  If
> you watch some of the more experienced riders you'll see that they often
> ride at a more conservative pace and aren't there every single time out
> trying to run up in the front.    I can say this because I've probably top
> tenned a few more rides than you have <G>.  So feel free to pick on me.  I
> have no problem admitting that my horses have been ridden hard.

I agree with all of that. I have seen what speed can do many times, but
you have to decide personally how much you're willing to risk. Ken
Marcella, DVM once commented to me one day while waiting for a ride to
start that "if you never push the envelope at all, you will never know
how good Sunny can be".  I've sorta tried to balance that in my mind
with Susan's comment about a horse "not being over the edge, but might
be able to see it from where he is". It's a balancing act, fer sure.
Both of those comments kinda stuck in my mind. I'm competitive....a true
Type A.  Just can't help it....but I worry about the possible
consequences sometimes. I just try to do my homework, err on the side of
the horse, and hope for the best.

Do you ever START a ride with the intention of finishing Top Ten? Does
it just happen? What factors determine your pace for a particular ride?

I kinda subscribe to Angie's way of doing it.  I just ride my own ride
based on the trail, the weather, and how Sunny "feels" that day,
although I usually try to at least start up in the first 15-20 or so to
avoid being pushed toward the back by a pack.  Then I don't worry about
it until the last vet check.  If Sunny is doing well and I'm in or close
to Top Ten, I'll either try to hold my position or catch the 10th place
rider on the last leg. If not, just boogie on through the last leg at
whatever pace is comfortable and enjoy the ride. My big advantage is
recoveries....Sunny drops like a stone.  You have to REALLY push him
hard for him not to be down on arrival. I pick up a LOT of time by
beating people out of the vet checks.  Can't remember starting first in
but one ride, and that was an accident. 

Jim, Sun of Dimanche, and Mahada Magic. (Who acted like idiots in the
snow and are now confined to their stalls and paddocks until it melts so
they don't kill themselves doing sliding stops into the fences)