Here in the NE we are blessed with an abundance of limited distance rides
(ECTRA sanctioned) that may be ridden at "moderate" speed (averaging 6 mph,
faster on the last day of a multi-day ride). If we carefully choose rides
with "gentle" terrain early on in the season, we often will compete
back-to-back weekends for three consecutive weekends, then two weeks off.
This 3-on, 2-off philosophy has resulted in a very high completion rate for
both of us (me especially at a true HW wieght!).
As the difficulty of the rides/weather conditions increases, we back off on
the number of rides, and have an additional 3-4 days of rest, so that we are
doing no more than one ride every 3 weeks (if the schedule permits). Once
Kevin hits endurance rides, particularly in VA or Western PA, we'll only do
one a month.
In between we do a lot of walking, 45 minutes or so through a nice woods
loop, 2 times/week during the "rest period". We also do daily stretching,
belly lifts, etc. to maintain lateral flexibility. We found that even with
our older, street-smart campaigners, we need to do a little something during
the week, more for their brains than for their muscles.
I am convinced that our regimen of daily stretches has made an enormous
impact on the ability of our horses to perform at a high level. We also
have been trained to a limited degree in the use of accupressure (under the
guidance of our vet, Dr. Judith Shoemaker) to release problem areas in the
large muscle masses. We also routinely make use of Nancy Senn to do a
full-body massage after a particularly strenuous competition (and she is
equally as good with people so we treat ourselves also!).
Diane @ Safe Haven
Off to KC tomorrow to help Kevin drive to his new home/adventure!