In a message dated 1/9/2006 12:06:50 P.M. Mountain Standard Time,
dotwgns@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx writes:
The
horses are tougher than you think. If you don't ask for speed they will
cheerfully go many miles, with a stop for food, water, a little break now
and then. Use all the gaits the horse has, good walk, jog, big trot,
easy canter, even a brisk gallop where possible, just change often.
The horse sees welll in the dark, and most are pretty good about knowing
where the other horses went and will follow the trail. (And most
ride managers are skilled at marking trails for nite riding)
YOU
are tougher than you think, just keep going down the trail, be sure to
feed and water yourself as well as the horse. Be sure your tack
and clothes have been tested for fit and comfort. Changing gaits willl
keep you fresh as well as the horse.
A crew is nice but not
essential. Whatever you need can be sent to out checks, and there is
almost always someone who can help a bit if you need
it.
If you START with a sound and fit horse, and the rider is at least half as
fit (and sound) as the horse, Dot's advice is so concisely perfect as to
require nothing more.
This information is what seems to be "behind the curtain" for so many
riders, and yet, simply so simple and correct.
