Re: RC: Re: Lake Oroville Vista <story>

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 11/9/99 8:28:46 AM Pacific Standard Time, 
karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us writes:

<< I 
 actually think a more difficult ride is better to start with (then 
 everything seems easy after that) <G>.  Seriously though, your horse is 
 better off if he's putting his energy into going over hills and mountainous 
 terrain than if he's watching 50 horses gallop straight down a flat road. >>

This is really an important concept, IMO.  Karen is also right about not 
going to new rides if you are green, but sticking to established rides (for 
the very reason of a Lake Oroville that may still need to get some bugs 
ironed out) but as pointed out above, DO avoid the so-called "easy" rides.  
Not only is there the psychological factor that Karen mentions, but also, on 
a flat ride, the horse uses the same muscles over and over again, whereas on 
a ride where terrain varies, he is constantly changing what he has to use and 
doesn't fatigue one part of his body overly much.  Savvy riders can 
compensate for that somewhat by making the horse change gaits, etc., but it 
is helpful when the terrain does it for you.    

Heidi


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