Re: Conditioning for 100 milers

["Joy H Mahler" <joym@visi.net>]

Teddy,

I thought it was a bit ridicules to suggest that you train over 100 miles
before riding 100. We did 50's to get in shape for 100's.  What I tried to
do and it worked really well for Orion, was to find a 3-day 100 CTR to enter
within the month before the 100 and used it to condition the work over time.
The New Jersey 3-day 100 was a great warm up for the OD.  The  year I didn't
finish the OD  (was a major tie up) and I had ridden 40 miles with Jeannie
and got caught in a thunderstorm. I think he had a mild tie up that night
but I didn't reconize it.  He trailered home and got off the trailer stiff
and I thought it was just from riding and trailering so close
together.instead. It really was a mistake to change what had worked for us.

So if anyone wants to do really well at the OD, I suggest you enter the
3-day 100 in Jersey two weeks before.  It is a slow conditioning ride, that
makes you take care of your horse in the heat...

I real test for the rider also...Go for the horsemanship award to really
test your ability...
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