Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Ok, I will jump here too.  (I seem to be doing a lot of that jumping....maybe I won't fall)

 

I agree with this.  And I would like to add something.  We are starting a new, young one, she is 4 1/2 now.  Daughter is riding her, (mainly cause she is like carrying a flea).  We ride the 5 miles about 3 times a week.  But sometimes, on the off days or even on the weekends, we will go out again, 3 hours after we have ridden and just walk with hubby on his young horse.  I think someone said it earlier...it isn't the miles, but the TIME.  Just sitting and walking them does build a lot of horse over time.  Now, no, they won't be in shape to run thru a ride, but to help start one off, it will help.  I have also done this same with seasoned, going horses, that I plan to do 100's with.  Ride them, then ride them again at a walk/jog for about 45 mins.  Just that time on their backs, conditions the back muscles, legs, whatever.  Plus, it helps them mentally to prepare for going back out of a vet check.

 

Jody and the girls (next stop, Big South Fork)

Karen Sullivan <greymare56@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

 

----- Original Message -----

From: DRG1

Hi,

 

I am following the conditioning program of Dr Loving?s Book. I use a heart rate monitor & a GPS.

 

I am starting conditioning a Missouri Foxtrotter for Competitive trail (CTR). I just started 2 weeks ago from scratch (today is 8/22/04).

I ride 5 miles a day 3-4 times a week for a goal of 15-20 miles a week.

 

In fact, I believe getting the ?5 mi/ exercise day? at a heart rate of 100-140 is the most important thing ? it doesn?t matter how long it takes you to do that 5 miles, just as long as its in the training heart rate of 100 to 140 BPM.

 

*A few things here to remember...I think it really depends on the speed you go, the age of the horse and strength of their back already....and hardness of the terrain....

 

I have started several horses that were 3-5 with a lot of daily WALKING.....I really feel that many folks miss that part...it gets them out in the world in a routine....and the walking will build up muscles, tendons and ligaments very slowly....and better to add walking hills before doing a lot of trotting.

 

I think any conditioning program that is DAILY runs the risk of overlooking some slight strain or pull to a muscle..and not giving it any time to repair itself....

 

Once I get beyond the daily walking....and start some periods of jogging, I probably slip into every other day conditioning, with pasture turnout....always checking for leg heat and swelling, back tenderness.....

 

Here is the other big problem with daily conditioning.....from personal experience.  Your house never gets cleaned, the fences don't get repainted, and the place totally falls apart.

 

Karen

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