Re: RC: Conditioning Question Replies

[Lif Strand <fasterhorses@gilanet.com>]

At 12:55 PM 9/17/00 -0700, Colleen wrote:
>This is Michigan--flatland--and half a ride each day would probably be 
>perfect.

Don't go by the distance, go by your horse.  Really REALLY pay 
attention.  Multi-day trail rides can take their toll on horses, even when 
you're going at a leisurely walk.  Paul & I did ETI's Death Valley Trail 
Ride 3 years in a row (that was where we learned about endurance), which is 
135 miles over 4.5 days.  Most every day is a walk, except for a couple 
free afternoons where you can go at whatever speed you like, getting to 
camp on your own (at least that's how it was 20 years ago).  The riders 
were warned beforehand to bring well conditioned horses, yet practically 
every night horses would be in trouble, colicking, tying up, saddle rubs, 
you name it.  It was pitiful.  So PLEASE pay close attention to your 
horse!  Even 12 miles a day can be too much for a horse that isn't used to 
working every day.  Especially pay close attention to tack - bring extra 
saddle pads so that your horse can have a clean side against his back every 
day.  Check your horse's back for soreness before saddling and last thing 
before you turn in for the night - just wearing a saddle for 5 or 6 hours a 
day for several days in a row can sore a horse that's not used to it! If 
anything out of the ordinary comes up with your horse - slightly off feed, 
slightly not drinking, slightly sluggish, slightly unwilling to walk out - 
anything! - consider giving your horse a day off.  Better safe than sorry.  Lif


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