[RC] 5 Day Work Week Woes & Conditioning - Vchorsegal
I prefer to ride longer rides once or twice a week than to ride 4 to 5 times a week for an hour or 2, as a few people like to do. If you can get in a short session mid-week ( arena or trail- preferably hilly trail ) and do a long slow trail ride on your weekend you can do it ! My hubby & I were able to condition for 50's only once a week years ago. We did a 16 mile hilly loop in about 4 hours. 8 weeks later the horses were fit and occasionally Top Tenned. They had a bit of a base before that- so that is also a factor. I think the horses learn to take care of themselves a lot better with the longer loops. I have seen horses used to doing 2 hour sessions fast that wait to drink & eat until they get home. This is a problem at rides ! I think also once you do a ride or two after you start your season, your horse reaches a new level of fitness. If you are willing to go slow in the beginning it will take you a long way. Happy Trails ! A full moon is a cool time to ride ! - Heidi Helly
