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[RC] Multidays - DreamweaverSince so many of Karen's miles were from multi-days, I have a question for her and others who ride multi-days. Ride season is coming up. I love both the Wild West Ride put on by the Ribleys and Cold Springs hosted by the Nicholsons. BUT!!! This year there is only eight days between both rides. What do all you multi-day riders think about doing these rides back to back? Thanks, Ericka Ericka -- the best way to do all of the rides is to have more than one horse, and alternate them. It really is better for them that way, and you can keep more than one horse in shape. If you wanted to do both of those rides on the same horse, a total of 8 days, it could be done. You just have to ride very conservatively, and do everything you can to help your horse out. Get off on the downhills, spend extra time grazing along the trail, and make sure your horse is in good condition before you begin the first ride. If you look at the riders that are riding the same horses for multiple years on multidays you'll see that most of them take their time, especially the ones that do a lot of miles. I don't think you need to be out there as long as Trilby used to be, but if I was planning on doing all 8 days of those rides on the same horse I would be shooting for 9 or 10 hour ride times, or longer depending upon the weather conditions. Then, if you do both rides on the same horse, try to give at least 4-6 weeks rest before doing the next ride. There aren't a lot of 5 day rides, so if I had a horse I thought could do it and hadn't done it yet, that's where I'd be! Three day rides are also great starting points, but IMO the real test of a horses endurance and riders management skills of that horse comes on the 4th and 5th days. There isn't anything else that I have found that can equal the feeling you get when you make all 5 days on the same horse. Last year 16% of the riders who started the first day at Cold Springs went on to complete all 5 days. Cold Springs does go over original Pony Express trail and there is something special about getting to do that. Good luck whatever you decide to do! Karen in NV P.S. ride with Pam and you'll be fine :)
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