ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Training the Endurance Horse

[endurance] Training the Endurance Horse

Diane E. Nelson (nelsonde@ttown.apci.com)
Fri, 29 Dec 1995 09:10:16 -0500 (EST)

I have been following with interest any and all comments on different
training regimens. There appear to be distinct differences across the
country based upon weather conditions and terrain during the winter months.
While I would love to spend "20-40 hours/week" on horseback, the 2 ft.
drifts and slick ice make that prospect less than inviting (even if I
had the time).

I'd like to hear from the folks who have similar weather-related
concerns: a) how often do you ride; b) how far do you go, on average; c)
safety concerns (ice conditions, overheating & cooling down, etc); d)
feeding regimens; e) shoeing vs barefoot.

I'd also like to hear from those folks who have to sandwich their
training in between full time jobs and family responsibilities. How do
you budget time? Do you choose horses with "credentials", the ones who
have sufficient condition on them so they don't require the "long, slow"
start-up process? Do your time constraints influence which rides,
distances, etc. that you might choose? Do you board your horse or have
your own place? Any thoughts on this topic would be appreciated.

I'm collecting data for a possible series of articles on conditioning,
with an emphasis on riders who face serious time or other constraints,
but who still wish to compete at some level.

Diane & Miss B
nelsonde@ttown.apci.com