Subject: New Horse

[PLOUGH1@ix.netcom.com (KIMBERLY PRICE)]

Hi Angie,

	Your horses mental and physical background must dictate what you 
are to do. Remember, any horse moved to a new home and environment will 
be stressed and most likely will not become his true “self” for a few 
weeks.  Now is the time to reassure him, get to know him, and learn to 
read his language and needs.  

	As for physical conditioning to do a 25 or 30 by May, many have 
repeated here on ridecamp that any horse should be able to do a slow 
LD.  But take the time to read all you can in the F.A.Q.’s (frequently 
asked questions), stories and archives of ridecamp.  You will see where 
your horse’s background becomes a key ingrediant for your planning, and 
how you can judge what his current condition is (heart rate, recovery). 
There is also great information on type and length of conditioning 
rides, rest and recovery, and tons of other information you may find 
useful.

Congrads on your new horse and let us know how it goes!!

And one think more..enjoy the journey for it never really ends......

Kimberly (&Mystery the Morab....starting his 3rd year in 
conditioning/training...)
Pt.Reyes, CA

on Wed, 11 Mar 1998 17:56:29 -0600
From: Angie Orr <aorr@GPS.com> WROTE:

I am getting my American Saddlebred on Friday and I had a few 
questions.
First off, how long should I wait before I start my conditioning
program?  Would Monday be too soon?  Should I wait a week for him to 
get used to the other horses and the new living arrangement or just 
jump right into the new routine?  Second question is, He has not been
riden,except a little here and there, since September.  Do you think if
I condition 5-6 days a week with the LSD program that I would be ready
to enter a ride in May (a 25 miler)?  I know that this has to depend on
the horse but, just saying that everything goes well.  I'd like to 
start planning a little.  Then last but not least, will he be able to 
run anything other than 25-30's this season? again just generally 
speaking.
Thanks in advance,
Angie and Maverick

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