Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Newbie Soaking Up All of the Knowledge with Glee!

Hi Tamara,
    You're definitely heading in the right direction.  I would recommend seeing if
there is someone in your area who would mentor you.  Endurance.net has a list of
people willing to mentor.  Going to rides as a volunteer is a fabulous idea but do
keep in mind the most important advice: ride your own ride.  Don't start thinking
that you and Magnum have to do anything more than what you know is best for the two
of you.
    At some point in his conditioning, I'd recommend riding with a few others to
simulate a ride so that you can remind him that he is no longer eventing.  Playing
leap frog and also leaving and rejoining the group and having the group leave him
then catching up are great exercises.  Also, find trails with obstacles that he
might once have wanted to jump so you can work on new ways of dealing with them.
(Actually, jumping is acceptable if it's appropriate and you both want to.)  There
are often trail obstacles, though, that shouldn't be jumped so those are the ones
to work on.
    As to saddles: your butt will tell you if you can ride 25 miles in your all
purpose.  I just rode 200 miles in a dressage saddle very happily.  Most import:
any saddle has to fit your horse really well!
    Donna Snyder-Smith's "Complete guide to endurance riding and competition" does
a good job of describing endurance from start to finish.  Nancy Loving's book
(can't remember the name) is also very good.
    Have fun!
Laney




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