Re: [RC] Conditioned VS NonConditioned - Sky Ranch
Isn't it fun when you get home, and the horse
that's been on a ride, and been camping, charges out there and greets his
pasture mates with an "I've been on an adventure" run! You can really
almost hear them talking it all over, sometimes.
I think it was most obvious after my very first
ride with my horse. He came home and pranced around, he was so proud of
himself.
On Friday, I loaded up my old campaigner, he's 19, and headed 275 miles
south to a ride. I entered the LD which was 30 miles. Now neither Star nor I
are race conditioned, but I know we can "git er done" as in complete. That was
my goal. Even if it meant the turtle award.
We haven't been in competition hardly at all this year. Two CTRs, one in
May and one in June. nothing but a few trail rides near home since then.
He's on pasture turnout 24-7. Is a bit overweight. We ride about once a
week, 5 to 10 miles max, usually not very fast. I have 3 other horses to keep
ridden, so I just don't get to Star as much as I should.
Anyway, long story short, this old pasture puff and me finished the 30
with an hour to spare in our ride time. We rode faster than our usual for fun
riding time, but we paced ourselves at the back of the pack and rode our own
ride. The vets all commented on how great he looked. He finished with all
A's on his score card.
He got a few hours of rest at the trailer and then we loaded up and drove
back home that night.
I was kinda worried how he would do, but when I let him out of that
trailer, he immediately chased his pasture partners and raced them out to
their big field.
And yes, I looked this horse in the eyes, and he said, "Thanks mom for
believing in me and letting me get out there and do it again."
"Whisper words of
wisdom, let it be." The Beatles
Chris
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