Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

Hello all,

My friend wants to eventually do 50 milers, and his current horse is  
not up for the job.  We completed a 25 last month but horse is now  
having problems.

So, I have some questions about what to look for.  I don't think he  
wants a "stereotypically hot arab", for what that's worth.  He isn't a  
natural fan of Arab horses, I guess that is how I'd put it :-)  I told  
him maybe a Polish one?

Guy is not overweight for his frame but since he's about ten feet  
tall, he's decidedly into the "heavyweight" category.  I imagine his  
horse is carrying around 240 pounds once tack and gear is factored  
in.  I might be able to talk him out of his western saddle that weighs  
a ton, if that would help knock 15 pounds off.

I imagine horse needs thick short cannon bones and big feet, but any  
numbers to look for?  What is minimum age horse should be started?  I  
know ideal would be over 4 but is 3 years something to just walk away  
from?

Also, as far as non-arab breeds, I ride a BLM Mustang but she's  
teeny.  Would a taller Mustang work for him?  I'm trying to steer him  
away from stock types, but if we find one with nice legs should we  
ignore the breed?  What bout a "Sport Morgan" whatever that is?  The  
Morgans I used to ride were under 15 hands, and no way he's getting on  
anything that short.  He currently rides an appaloosa and seems  
partial to them (to each their own, LOL)

Thanks,
Betsy


=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=

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!!

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=