Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Hills are an awesome way to condition with the added benefit of 
(usually) being a pretty place to ride.  Living in the NW, I have lots 
of hills, and have spent the last nine years riding exclusively in the 
mountains.

Working up a flatlander horse takes time, but it is well worth it.  
I've seen big changes in gaits as well as conditioning, a lot more 
dramatic than with conditioning on the flat.  Working on hills 
encourages rounding, and if you're cruising around on the trails at 
high speed, there is a lot of lateral flexion as well. I know my old 
lady pony is VERY flexible, even at 32.

One thing I have noticed since my move three years ago.... My horses 
are pastured 24/7 on a hill, and they look awesome though I haven't 
been rising as much as I would like.  I especially noticed it with the 
mare we got about 6 weeks ago.  She had been in a small, nearly level 
pasture, (but still managed to run around acting like an AY-Rab)

But since she's been here she has muscled up dramatically.  Her butt 
and shoulders especially. I mean, no kidding, we're talking buff!  I 
was shocked when my daughter rode her the other day, and I got to see 
her under saddle.  Amazing.

And here's a question for David LeBlanc and his finely honed 
mathmatical mind. *sly grin* If the field is 1800 feet long, 500 feet 
wide, what is the distance around?  And what is the % grade if it 
increases 125 feet in elevation on the long side?

Julie

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I don't think you have to join a gym or buy frilly outfits to get some
fitness.  A decent set of shoes and a 15 minute dismount here and there
will help. 
~  Jon K. Linderman, Ph.D., FACSM, Assistant Professor of Health and Sport Science, University of Dayton

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