ridecamp@endurance.net: After-ride management?

After-ride management?

Elise Dirlam (elise.dirlam@bbs.chemek.cc.or.us)
Thu, 13 Mar 1997 18:03:59 GMT

Although I am just an trail rider and not (yet) engaged in
endurance riding I have subscribed to this group as an active lurker.
I hope that I am not out of line by asking for the advice and
collective wisdom of the group on an endurance related issue.

My sister has been diligently conditioning her horse with the aim
of competing in her first 25 mile training ride this spring. Although
I am not familiar with the specifics of her conditioning program, I
assume it is well thought out and complete.

Through a scheduling mishap she will compete in her 25 miler the day
before she must be out of town for a two week period. I would guess
that although motivated to do their best, she has no intention of
placing high expectations regarding times, etc. This will be her first
outing of the season with a new horse. However, she would need to
leave her horse with me immediately after the ride. From a "horseman"
point of view I have some management concerns.

The horse will be coming from a desert environment and into a lush
forage area. Obviously, I can't just dump him out to pasture with no
thought of his prior conditioning schedule, environment, etc.

I don't want to be a wet blanket but without careful planning I
see that this could be a major accident waiting to to happen and have
visions of a sick horse, or me out trying to keep some extra fit
"yahoo" I've never put a leg over in shape.....So, just what do you do
when you have a horse in a conditioning program and you need to abruptly
make changes to it? Should I be concerned?

Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Elise

* 1st 2.00 #8840 * A bad plan is better than no plan at all.

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