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Re: [RC] Hill training vs. flat - Truman PrevattActually work in sand can help develop the strength needed for hills/mountains. I never had a problem coming from FL to the Rockies with the climbs because all we had to train in was sand. There is nothing like a good 15 to 20 mile training ride in sand to get a good workout.The only thing I found the sand would not do was train for downhill. Fortunately enough where I ride mostly we have some hills (sand hill area of the state) and we also have some old limestone quarry pits. Going in and out of these pits gives wonderful downhill training. As far as injuries, I never gave it much mind since sand was an ever constant. I suppose that if a horse was not used to it at all there would be some risk. But I would expect that if a horse had a good base that risk would be minimal. Some of the issue I also think is the horse has to learn how to go in sand. That takes awhile. The first time my horses hit slick mud - they have a problem since it is much different than anything they are used to. Most of the people who I know that love and ride in FL don't have more ligament/tendon injuries than anywhere else - maybe less. But it may be that from day one most of the horses have to deal with sand to a greater or lesser extent so it comes with the base. Truman Randy or Cheryl Winter wrote: In my opinion, I think a well rounded endurance horse needs both. I like to do strong hill work where there is a lot of just pure climb, to build go strength, but then change it up next ride with a flat or gently rolling course to really get up and move out at a sustained trot/canter for miles so that they develop that ability also. If you can only train on one type of terrain, then you need to change strategy if you get to ride that is different from what you train on. Not that they can not do the ride, but may have to make some allowances. On top of that if you have access to some sandy draws, do prudent work in that type of footing will develop yet another side of the horse. BUT use caution with the sand if they are not use to it. Good way to hurt ligaments and tendons if done too much too soon. Just apply to yourself what you are doing in training with the horse. If you went out for your morning walk of three miles on the flat day after day and never saw a hill, how do you think you would feel after doing three miles on steep hills with no preparation. The same with sand. Think about the last time you may have walk on the beach in the deep sand. LOTS more work and probably did not go as fast and felt it more afterwards. Some times we develop a lot more empathy for our horses if WE get off and hike a few of the hill, sand, and run the flats with them. And remember, we do not have a forty pound back pack on our backs while we do that with them. You are unlikely to hurt them by slowing down, but you can hurt them by trying to do the same speed in terrain they have not trained for. Just my two cents.... And there are lots of opinions out there to draw on. Try to train in the type of terrain you are planning on compete on. Hills for hills, flats for flats and a mixture for a well balanced horse. -- "The opposite of a correct statement is a false statement. The opposite of a profound truth may well be another profound truth." Niels Bohr -- Nobel Laureate, Physics =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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