Re: RC: Re: The Edge

[Jim Holland <lanconn@tds.net>]

Susan, "Thank You" for this post.  Please consider submitting this, or a
variation thereof to EN.  Everyone should here these words. I will file
it in my "Garlinghouse Bible".

This is why if you compete in the upper echelons of Endurance, i.e. Top
Ten, you better know your horse REAL well, know when he's being pushed
too hard, know his capabilities and his limitations. You exerbate the
stress situation when you ask a horse to compete in Endurance when he is
not at his physical best.  It's why I passed on Pirate Run this weekend
for what my Vet called "just a minor snotty nose, no congestion, he'll
be OK."  Maybe so, but, No, Thanks!  Err on the side of horse. Fix EVERY
little problem you know about down to the tiniest detail. Tweak little
things here and there (no major changes, of course) to improve how he
eats, drinks, and note any little eccentricities that impact these
things. Make sure your feed is what he needs, his feet are in good
shape. Constantly evaluate and try to
find things you can do better, become more knowledgeable on nutrition,
learn how to condition better and deal with the demands of various types
of trails and footing. You should learn something about yourself, your
horse and his capabilities and limitations at every ride.  Condition
YOURSELF so you can ride balanced and help him by being on the ground
when necessary. It's bad enough to watch someone else's horse
crash....but just think how you would feel if it were yours?

Even if you now do all these things, it helps to have someone remind us
of it periodically....and often....and that's what Dane was doing!

Jim and Sun of Dimanche





Susan Garlinghouse wrote:
> 
> > > He then spoke of the horses.  Doc mentioned that we, as endurance
> riders,
> > > push them closer to the edge, closer to their breaking point, more than
> any
> > > other equestrian sport.
> 
> For damn sure enough to pay
> attention that this horse may not be on the edge--but he can see it from
> here.
> Metabolically speaking, what
> the thoroughbreds and STBs and quarterhorses are doing on the track is NADA
> compared to endurance.
> 
> Dane knew exactly what he was talking about when he made that comment and I
> agree with him 100%.
> 
> Susan G
> 
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