Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

AMEN!

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Diane Trefethen" <tref@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: "Ridecamp" <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, April 27, 2008 7:11 PM
Subject: Re: [RC] sore back help!


> > I just completed my FIRST 50 mile race (Foxcatcher) - we got the turtle 
> > award, which is fine with me since my goal was to finish and have a 
> > healthy horse.  I should be thrilled, but the luster is taken out of the 
> > accomplishment because I feel guilty for her sore back.  My mare's report 
> > card went as follows: after 25 miles - all A's; after 40 miles - all A's 
> > and 1 B for back/withers; after 50 miles - all A's and a C for 
> > back/withers.  Additionally, I noticed today, the day after the ride, 
> > that there is some chafing along her ribs/ sides.
>
> Hi Jane,
>
> Before you go out and spend one red cent on new tack, try riding faster.
>
> Going slowly for 50/75/100 miles is a two-edged sword.  True you do not 
> risk over-riding your horse, but that does *not* mean you are doing the 
> best by her.  The more time you spend sitting down (walking), the more 
> pressure and weight you put on her back.  Walking is more tiring for the 
> rider than a posting trot, and it takes longer to get where you are going, 
> so in addition to the extra weight and pressure, you get a more fatigued, 
> ie, less competent rider.  The extra walking means more chafing, not just 
> for the horse but for the rider as well.  Sitting a lot also hurts our 
> butts and strains the lower back more so now we have weight, pressure, sub 
> par riding AND the rider is also trying to avoid sitting in a way that 
> causes pain.
>
> Since your horse had no problems with your tack at 30 miles and assuming 
> you averaged about 6 mph on the 50, bump your speed up to 7-8 mph at your 
> next ride.  Do not worry about B's or an occasional C.  You are trying to 
> find the optimum pacing for your horse AND determine whether you have a 
> tack problem.  If you finish with 2-3 hours to spare and she still has a 
> sore back, then look for saddle/pad fit problems.  After all, she's a year 
> older and her shape may have changed just enough over the winter that she 
> really does need a new saddle.  But don't look there first.
>
> Diane Trefethen
> AERC #2691
>
>
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