Re: RC: M.P.H.

[Dave & Abby Bloxsom <cyclone@snet.net>]

> Hi. I've been trying to figure out the m.p.h. when I go on training rides. I
> read that horses go 4mph at a walk. What about a trot and a canter? Does
> anyone know? 

Walk - 2 to 6 mph
Trot - 4 to 18 mph
Canter - 6 to 25 mph

But seriously, folks:  Every horse's speed is different.  The ONLY way
to learn what speed you're going is to MEASURE it ACCURATELY <g> and
ride it over and over until you've internalized the speed.

To measure the speed of a horse, you first need an accurate measurement
of distance.  The odometer on your car is pretty accurate.  So is a
motorcycle or bike odometer, on a reasonably smooth trail.  Get yerself
a couple of miles of accurately measured level road or trail where you
can travel a steady pace the whole way.  Then ride it.  Walk it, trot
it, trot it slow, trot it fast, canter it, trot it again, etc. etc. 
Each time you ride it, keep track of how long it takes you.  For the
non-mathematically inclined, your results will be as follows:

4 mph = 15 minutes per mile
5 mph = 12 min/mi
6 mph = 10 min/mi
7 mph = just over 8 min/mi
8 mph = 7.5 min/mi
9 mph = almost 7 min/mi
10 mph = 6 min/mi
12 mph = 5 min/mi
15 mph = 4 min/mi
20 mph = 3 min/mi

Eventually, you learn what each of your horse's speeds "feels like" and
you'll learn to adjust for hills, trappy going, etc.

-Abby B


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