Re: pace in endurance

["GESA BRINKS" <gesaeqfx@pe.net>]

Here is how I do it.  Not that I'm all that good at it, but I do know how to
get rather unfit horses thru a 50.  Have done it many times.  I used to take
appaloosa horses for their distance riding medallions, so I was constantly
starting "green" horses for endurance and or CTR.  Here goes:  Walk the up
hills...walk or easy trot the down hills....long trot whenever possible.
Get off and lead on the steep down hills to give them a break.  On long
stretches of semi flat trail I trot med to extended trot for appx. 15
minutes and then I walk for 5 minutes. (the old cavalry routine).  I walk
thru bad footing (except on Nevada rides :-D not much choice there)
Basically I trot where it is safe and walk where it is not.  Nothing is more
dangerous than boogying thru bad footing on a leg weary horse.  Keep as much
extra fuel in your horses tank as possible.  I feed carrots, apples, cookies
etc. throughout the entire ride.  Take a little extra time at the water
stops to make sure they rehydrate themselves.   Use common sense and dont be
in a big hurry to finish.   FWIW   gesa n clovis n sky
-----Original Message-----
From: guest@endurance.net <guest@endurance.net>
To: ridecamp@endurance.net <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Date: Monday, April 03, 2000 7:48 PM
Subject: RC: pace in endurance


>April Hammer steele@mwonline.net
>I have competed in competetive distance events for the past 3 years,
completing several 50s.  My horse maintains well, and when shoed correctly
is sound.  My question is: When I begin to enter endurance events, how do I
choose a pace?  I condition mostly at a trot with intervals of loping, but
not for long periods of time. When I see the completion times in endurance
events, I am often amazed. Am I just not trusting my horse?  Should I ask
for a little more?  I know he's ready for more, but I seem to be the one
holdng us back.  Help!!!  I do have a heart monitor and understand cardiac
recovery. I also understand that I need to watch him metabolically and make
sure he's eating.  Are there any other clues, on the trail, to warn me that
I may be pushing too hard?  Thanks for the advice.  April ps. I live in
central Illinois, so trail is not too hilly or tough (compared to Mountains)
>
>
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