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Re: [RC] what is best mph for trot? - Joe Longalexis_mills@xxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:Samurai has a sluggish (7mph) trot, a medium (9-10 mph) that he doesn't like to maintain, and a fast, floaty 12-13 mph that usually breaks into canter (though I'm quick to bring him back). Why are you quick to bring him back? As the speed at the trot increases, the energy used goes up, and you reach a point where the canter is more efficient (uses less energy than trotting at the same speed). If he's usually breaking into a canter at 12-13 MPH he's telling you that he's more comfortable cantering at that speed, which indicates he's probably using less energy as well. In his "comfort zone" a well-conditioned horse can canter for long periods and remain aerobic. A heart monitor, if you have one or have access to one, can help tell you -- if his heart rate drops after he breaks into a canter, that's the better gait to use at that speed. If his desire to canter is due to excitement and a desire to speed up rather than comfort, that's another story. But if you're just moving nicely along down the trail and your horse just wants to do a nice collected canter instead of trot without "taking off," it's probably a good idea to let him. I've not a fan of going long distances at a fast, extended trot. The long reach is not only increasing energy demands, there is more stress on joints and tendons and more risk of injury.
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