Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Hello and welcome, Jaime.

Sharon's questions and comments were very good.  Doing Distance Rides successfully 
depends more on the individual than the breed.  There are a few breeds that are NOT 
good choices, Percherons and Clydesdales come to mind, but there are plenty of Arabs 
that can't do it either.  A lanky body (think greyhound) is better than a chunky body 
(think bulldog quarter horse).  Low concussion trot is better than a jarring trot. 
Large cannons are better than small ones (a 950# horse should have about a 7.5" cannon).

If the mare has never had much conditioning, ie, her riding was of the twice a week 
for an hour variety, you will need to slowly bring her into shape to do long rides. 
While muscles come into shape fastest and heart and lungs don't take more than 5-7 
months of good conditioning, it can take several years for a horse to develop strong 
ligaments and tendons so while your mare may be able to cover 25 miles or 50 by the 
end of the summer, she might not have the foundation to do either fast.  Also, with a 
horse that has not yet developed a good foundation, injuries are more likely - 
another reason to take things slowly.

Again welcome.  I hope you have a good time with your horse.

Diane


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