I love this sport, I love my horse and I love to do the miles. I know my
horse's limitations and plan with those in mind when I set our goals. I'm
so glad to hear that you do too!
Good luck next year! I'll be waiting to hear how you do.
Bobbie wrote------------------------------------------------------------
Thanks, Linda!
Your training program confirms what I've thought for a long time:
people tend to "protect" their horses in training. In fact, they often
"brag" about how fast their horse has recovered after an uphill climb
or how the HR never went over 130, etc. They tend to ride their horses
within their capabilities rather than stretch them to the next level.
I know I'm guilty of this, too!
I've been competing my mare, Fine Print, for four years (or is it
five?). She's 11 and has a good foundation. We've completed three 100s
with one TT (Old Dominion and Fort Valley twice) and lots of fifties,
which I consider training rides. Next year we're aiming for the Old
Dominion "Triple Crown" -- a new competition that rewards the rider
who completes all three Old Dominion events in one year -- the No
Frills 50, the Old Dominion 100 and the Fort Valley 150. I've "taken
the pledge" to really get her fit next year, and your program is an
inspiration. Thanks for sharing!
Bobbie