Re: END OF SEASON
JayDeeBird@aol.com
Wed, 30 Oct 1996 22:00:17 -0500
This is my horses first endurance season, he is 11 yrs old, had an eventing
background before I got him, and I conditioned him for almost a year before
his first ride. Hopefully by the middle of November we will have 300
endurance miles ( 6 fiftys, plus one 25 mile limited distance ). I selected
rides of varing difficulties, and for the most part rode pretty conservative.
I spaced our rides out at least 3 weeks or more, and after each ride gave
him 7 to 10 days off to pasture. I also backed off on conditioning hard
between rides, since we were doing one about every 4 weeks. Our last ride
for this season will be November 16, then I plan on giving him at least 60
days rest. May do some light ring work with him, but for the most part I
plan on turning him out to pasture and leaving him alone. I would appreciate
anyones comments on this strategy, and any past experiences you may of had on
starting a horse in 50 mile endurance rides. I have been pleased with his
progress, every ride his recoveries get better, and for the most part I
probably would not change very much if doing it over again, except to
condition for hills more than I have.
JR & Chaka Khan