<< If limited distance rides are =22training
rides=22, then exactly WHAT are we training for? What is the skill set
expected to be mastered at that level? Can one safely skip this step and
start with a 50? If so, when and how would this be appropriate, and what
cautionary statements might one offer to the prospective new endurance
rider?>
I certainly can't answer for anyone else, but perhaps my limited experienc=
e will help a beginner or two.
The first endurance ride I went to, I rode as a drag rider, a 25 mile leg =
at the ROC held in Montana. I was hooked. I conditioned the rest of the sum=
mer and into the next to get ready for my first 50. I skipped LD altogether=
. I figured (rightly or wrongly) that I could train at appropriate distance=
s and terrain to get ready for a 50.=20
When I got to the ride with two friends who appointed themselves my 'babys=
itters' (more accurately, my guardian angels) the vet in the pre-ride check=
said my horse was too fat and I'd better be careful.
He scared the beejezus out of me.
To make a long story short we completed with A's and a B. We took the full=
time minus 5 minutes (and so did my guardian angels, even though they coul=
d have gone much faster). My mare had no trouble and didn't even seem tired=
as I had been told to expect her to be. And most miraculously, I didn't ev=
en get sore. It was so much fun.
Beginners wanting to start at 50 miles can do it and do it safely, I'm con=
vinced. But they have to do their homework. I went with the attitude that t=
he horse came first and it was slow and steady. I planned on using all the =
time available to me. It was also, one vet check at a time. I was more than=
ready and willing to pull my horse at the slightest inkling of something f=
eeling wrong. At the end of the ride the concerned vet complimented me on t=
he job I'd done. That was worth missing the ride dinner.
I would never have done that first ride without my friends there beside me=
. And that, to me was the most important ingredient. Beginners, find an exp=
erienced guardian angel, then select the distance that is right for both yo=
u, your horse and your training regimen.
That 50 was a training ride and 5 years later, 50s are still training ride=
s to me. I guarantee my first 100 will be a training ride, too.
Louie
Bozeman, MT</x-fontsize><x-fontsize><param>10</param>
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