Okay, "partially-trained" horses can successfully do some distance
riding.
"Partially-trained" riders can successfully do some distance riding.
Now, when a rider starts "campaigning" a horse, be it at the Limited
Distance riding level, or Endurance Riding level, the partially-trained horse
will suffer it's training.
It is a truth I've seen time and time again. A misstep on the trail,
by a tired horse, who has had benefit of proper gymnastic work, legging up,
etc., be it on the trail or in an arena, will result in injury on fewer
occasions than the same misstep by a "partially-trained" horse who hasn't had
benefit of focused and purposeful strength-building, elasticity-building
exercise and rider management.
I love a horse who jumps into the trailer and is eager to go somewhere
and do something. I love a horse who can stand tied to a trailer
for long periods of time. I love a horse who can go down the trail with
manners and without being a danger to anyone around it. Who wouldn't love
and treasure a horse like that.
But, in fairness to the horse, Endurance Riding/Racing is the type of
endeavor if you're going to ask it of the horse, give it the benefit of true
preparation, conditioning and focused management.
Anything short of that is just not fair to the endurance horse...who
aspires to the simplest of all goals...to live without undue pain, fear or
anxiety, while simultaneously trying to do its job of being a reliable, sound
saddle horse.
This is not a topic which should engender defensiveness on the part of
riders, but more a topic which should be discussed with the welfare of the horse
in mind.
