Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Idaho Spuds

Good job, Tom!  That's way it's all about!  The technical trails are the
most fun! God, I love 'em! I probably spend as much time on the ground
as anybody in the SE, and running with your horse on the downhills and
tailing up hills really helps. 

If you're going to spend time on the ground with your horse, teaching
him to do this correctly is important.  If a 1000 lb horse steps on the
back of your heel (been there, done that) you will remember it for a
while, especially at a trot...which is why I only ride in boots...never
soft shoes.  Ariat Extremes are my choice...have had a pair for 3
years...they're showing some wear, but they are comfortable, support
your ankles, and protect your feet.  

If you're on a road, teach your horse to run on your shoulder, slack
rein, with his head even with you....less chance of getting stepped on.
Teach him to run on EITHER shoulder, switching when you switch the lead
line.  This lets you change your body position occasionally, and is less
tiring.  It also allows you to switch him from side to side as the
terrain changes.

Also teach following directly behind, so you can do single track. He
should drop back several feet behind in this position...if he slips
going downhill, he can slide into you and knock you down. Teach him
zigzag follow at a walk on really steep stuff...it's easier for a horse
to zigzag back and forth across a steep slope (and does less damage to
the slope) than going straight down and he's less likely to slide into
you. Normally, you probably wouldn't do this, but when you encounter a 
rockslide or tree across a narrow trail in the middle of nowhere, it can
save you many hours of back tracking.  You would be amazed at how steep
a slope you can negotiate at good speed if your horse is comfortable
with this. With a little practice, they quickly figure it out. I ride
the Cohutta Wilderness, usually alone, and Sunny has got me thru some
pretty tough stuff.

Congratulations on your completions...looking forward to hearing about
your first 50! <grin>

Jim, Sun of Dimanche, and Mahada Magic


Tom Noll wrote:

> 
> We kept moving along at a quick pace.  The second loop was where my ultra
> experience came into play.  We had no time to dally and we had to follow a
> quick even pace trotting where we could and moving quickly elsewhere.  We
> got off and ran, leading the horses, down some of the steeper sections.  It
> was fun but worrisome running down a single track trail with a 1000 pound
> animal close on your heels.


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