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We live in <very> hilly WV, so we have debated this, too. Here's what Mike (hubbie) and I have decided. Walking up hills is great for the rear ends - develops muscle, encourages a rounded topline if done correctly. It is a LOT of work for the horses on the steeper up hills, though.
If the horses are given a choice, they prefer to "charge" the hill. They work up some speed coming into the bottom of the hill so that they have some momentum as they start up. I find that they drive from their rears and accomplish the hill more quickly, they are less winded, and their heart rate is up for a shorter amount of time. Lowered times for elevated heart rate and quicker recoveries means less energy consumption to me.
BTW - When we watch them loose in our hilly pasture, they do the same thing with hills.
In some cases, I listen to what the horse says is easier. Then I try to accommodate them when appropriate. They also know that if the rider says that the need to do it differently that it is non-negotiable. We work as a team, and we communicate with each other as the ride progresses.
Linda Flemmer
Bruceton Mills, WV
-----Original Message-----
From: Don & Penni Collins [mailto:spanisharab@laidinmt.com]
Subject: RC: Hill Climbing/youngsters
Don & Penni Collins wrote:
#2-HILLS (two new people's different opinions) It may be "Easier"for a
horse to RUN/clamber Quickly UP hills. One person thinks since it is
naturally EASIER for the horse this is what you should let them do.
BUT isn't it in the overall Picture of the day "Energy Robbing"?
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