Cassie, your conditioning will depend on the
horse. Once I get my guys to the place where they will recover quickly,
I then concentrate on sprints. My sprints consist of running hills, and
running flat out, sometimes for a mile. The goal is to be able to do at
least 10 mph or better. Your horse will tell you if you have done too
much, but in general, if you want to do 25, then you need to train 25 miles a
week. A 50 would require 50 miles a week. Once you get your horse
to the desired conditioning which depends on what you want to do at the ride,
then you have to figure out how to maintain that conditioning. You also
have to consider whether you want to run in front or if you will be happy to
finish or finish midpack. Is your horse in a big pasture or a small
one? All of these factors will play a role in how you condition your
horse.. Have fun. Jeanie
