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Sounds great! Maybe a week before, do 15 miles, trotting as much of the 
trail as possible.  Then let him rest up till the ride.  You want him fresh 
and smiling.  I might take a SHORT walk with him that last week or do some 
no-pressure arena work.  But only if it's restful stuff, just being 
together, stretching your legs. Or leave him in the pasture with a buddy.  
Walk out and give him carrots a few times.

Doing an LD moderately should be your goal, but I'm not sure you'll finish 
if you walk most of it. So start slowly, maybe 5-10 minutes after the start 
time to avoid the herd pressure. Then when he's sane, and warmed up, trot 
everything safe if your horse is doing well. Don't worry when you have to 
walk because of trail or 'cause your horse needs to walk. It is not a waste 
of time.  Then when you can, trot.

The day before, I pre-ride the last mile.  I let him go as fast as he wants 
to...as long as we stay at a walk.  :-)  He gets out on the trail after 
trailering, and we set the mood for behavior.  This way my horse isn't too 
surprised when we start the "race" at a walk the next day.
And he might perk up during the end of ride the next day when he recognizes 
the last mile.  I know I do.

Enjoy yourself.  Enjoy the trail.  Make sure your horse is smiling.

Have fun!

Nina

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