Re: Length of time between races

[CMKSAGEHIL <CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-03-30 16:00:11 EST, holzer@butlerbinion.com writes:

<< What is the recommended length of time between 50 mile, 75 mile and 100
mile races?  Is the length of time impacted by the speed of the race? >>

It varies from horse to horse, it varies with age, it varies with experience,
and it certainly does also vary with speed and difficulty of the race.  If I
am looking at 5-year-olds on their first season, I recommend no more than 3 or
4 rides, spaced at least 7 to 8 weeks apart, with a turn-out "vacation" of one
to two weeks after each one.  I pick the toughest rides I can find, because
up-and-down terrain uses different muscles all the time instead of constantly
doing the same thing over and over on a so-called "easy" flat 50.  The
difficult terrain also is more mentally interesting, and has the added benefit
that there are more horses going more slowly, so the newbie is not demoralized
when everybody runs off and leaves him.

An older horse on his first season, if he has some "life experience" for a
base, may well be able to do more than this right off the bat.

By the second season, I like to see a horse go out every 3 to 4 weeks, and
maybe move up a bit in his speed.  One needs to be honest with how he comes
off of each ride, though, and plan the next ride accordingly, instead of
plotting out a season at the beginning of the year, and trying to convince
oneself that just because he is thus-and-so age and has thus-and-so mileage,
he should be able to do this schedule.  Planning is ok, but be prepared to
vary!!

By his third season, he should pretty well be able to do what he is going to
be able to do, whether his maximal effort is going to be a middle-of-the-pack
50-mile completion or a horse building a portfolio for FEI.  If you are
diligent for three seasons and he is not the star you expect, he is not likely
to be.  If you are content with his level of achievement, love him and ride
him; if not, get a better horse.  Of course, be honest about how well you have
done your homework; if your preparation left something to be desired, then
there may still be more potential to be realized.

I don't think the distance ridden makes as much difference as the speed of the
race in terms of post-ride recuperation.  Good, solid mileage horses go and go
and go, weekend after weekend, but don't run up front.  People out trying to
push toward maximal efforts need to give their horses more time off between (3
to 6 weeks, depending on the horse and the effort).  There are certainly
individuals that can consistently turn in sterling performances with less rest
time, but they are the true superstars of the sport.  One has to make choices
most times between campaigning for miles and running competitive rides.

Heidi Smith, DVM--Sagehill Arabians (Oregon)