Re: New Horses

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 98-06-05 21:30:46 EDT, softride@cdsnet.net writes:

<< You should take as long to condition the horse as the horse you are
 trying to condition needs. If this horse is your friend, you will do
 very well by just not asking more of the horse  than that the horse is
 able to give. That's where good horsemanship comes in, Don't ask more of
 the horse than they are able to give. And know the difference. >>

Rebecca's statement is so true.  The only thing I would add is that completing
rides can be and should be a part of your conditioning program, once your
horse reaches an appropriate level.  The education the horse gets from camping
and going through the drill at the rides is a part of his education.  Just
start completing at the level that his fitness allows, and if you are a newbie
to boot, you can learn together.

Heidi