Kristin, it really isn't alot of
conditioning. Once the homework is done, maintaining is the easy
part. If one wants to run in front, the homework has to be done. If
one just wants to finish, then the conditioning can be cut back. I
conditioned all my horses using this basic gameplan, especially in the mid 80s
when I had the oomph and energy. My mare usually placed in the top 5 which
meant that most of her 50s were done in about 4 hrs. We went every other
week and she consistently did well. Now I don't have the energy or the
desire. I worry now about having enough conditioning to get thru a ride in
reasonable shape but not in front. So it is up to the rider to determine
how the ride is to be run. But if the homework is not done, it is not fair
to ask the horse to run in front. One may do well a couple of times, but
after that, the horse won't have the energy anymore to run that fast. And
for sure, one can yank a horse out of pasture and do a 50. I have done
it. Took me about 7 hrs but it can be done. I don't recommend it but
it is possible. Jeanie
