[RC] Huge Variables in Distance Riding, whatever the distance - Mary Ann Spencer
IMHO:
The fitness of the horse matters the most, then the
comfort and fitness of the rider. Most horses who run in a pasture
group can probably do a slow 25 without much preconditioning. HOWEVER,
taking a horse that spends most of it's time in a stall with only small runout,
is NOT going to have that same basic conditioning. However, lets face it,
one can complete the 25 at walk/trot and so most horses can do a slow one.
Many of us have huge problems just getting the time to condition the horse while
working around family resposibilities and working a 'job' that pays for our
horse passions. That is where the 25-30 mile rides are helpful for
CONDITIONING AND TRAINING RIDES. It takes more than just physiologic
conditioning. An 'out of control' horse can be dangerous to everyone and
most horses starting out get so excited the adrenaline overtakes the behavior
training. I have not found any substitute for taking the horse on
the actual ride. The horse may be wonderful at home or in the arena
with a group lesson but throw in the exictement of "D-Day' of the ride and
GEEEEEESSSSSSHHHHHH. It is not the same one you have been riding for all
those training days.
POINT: It is so variable among all
horses that to generalize is only marginally helpful.
KNOW TRAINING FACTS: If you can do 12 miles
in 2 hours of steady riding you can complete a 25miler. If you can
complete 25 miles in 3 hours, you can complete a slow 50. Going faster
requires more.
TRICKS: Some are using interesting ways to
care for the horse-one group was spraying the horse with water mixed with
alcohol to cool down faster. That rider did 50 miles in 3 hours but the
temps were not above 80 in TX and that is considered a cool ride. I did
that ride in 7 hours. I had to take a 30 min delay because my horse was full of
adrenaline and would not stand for mounting like she did at home. Rather
than put up with it and have someone hold my horse, I choose behavior
modification and waited for her to settle down. (besides I hate eating
dirt)
BEGINNERS NEEDS: Read, Read and then more
reading. YOU are the one ultimately responsbile for your horse's condition
and behavior. Take lessons for better seat. Don't use green horse
unless you like the thrill of rodeo action on a personal level. Lots more
training techniques now that 25 yrs ago. More is known. DO YOUR
HOMEWORK. EVEN IN TX, you don't have to have much in the way
of special 'stuff' to complete a 50. With commone sense preplanning you
don't need a crew. Rider fatigue is a REAL problem-been there done
that.
