Re: Starting CTRs/LD

["Steven Proe" <trails@aaahawk.com>]

Hi Folks: A training method which I have found very effective is to plan on
riding/training during the heat of the day along with hills. Training at the
walk forces critters to use the muscles it really doesn't want to use. I
believe this is the reason that some horses chose to run up hills, instead
of trotting or walking especially steeper slopes. I have found that using
the Hills, Heat and Walking method works very well on a horse that has some
conditioning. If the horse has little or no conditioning I concur with
Julienne just omit the Heat of the day. If you train in this manner, it has
been my experience that speed and endurance will be there when you want it.
Plus there we be a lesser chance to do damage to your partner. Plus when you
do allow the critters to getup and scoot, mine appeared ready and willing.
HTH
Steven
----- Original Message -----
From: <julienne.rha.b@bayer.com>
To: <kimber@telis.org>
Cc: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Sent: Friday, July 27, 2001 9:39 AM
Subject: RC: Starting CTRs/LD


> Hi Kim,
>
> I'm certainly not an expert on the subject, I just finished my first 23
mile CTR
> last weekend ( the story was posted a few days ago ) but our horses
finished
> happy and healthy, so I feel I can give you my comments. :)  We
conditioned for
> about 5 months, gradually building up longer distance.  On the trail we
did a
> lot of trot work, building up the length and time we went.  A rule of
thumb I've
> heard from the list is to ride/condition the amount of miles a week that
you
> would like to do in a ride.  We were aiming for a 25 miler, so we went
about 5
> mile 2x during the week and a 10 miler on the weekend.  We took it very
slow..
> walking  with a bit of trotting at first, gradually building up until we
were
> almost trotting the whole time (in our 5 milers).  We would walk downhill
and
> walk uphills (we're building up our uphill work as we speak).  You'll
probably
> do little to no cantering on your first ride..  your strength should be
your
> "power trot" so work on that.. I think it's the best gait for building up
your
> strength on the other gaits (walk, canter).  We're giving them a week off
now
> and only lightly rode them before the CTR.
>
> I think you should increase your distance to increase Stella's
> stamina/endurance.. increasing your distance will also allow her to know
that
> she's in it for the long run and to begin learning to take care of herself
out
> on the trail (eating and drinking, pacing herself).  Being an arab she has
an
> advantage. :)  You don't necessarily have to go fast, but lots of LSD will
be
> beneficial to your horse in the long run if you anticipate on conditioning
for
> longer mileage.  For us 25/week is pretty much the max with our schedules
plus
> my fiance rides a paint so we'll be sticking to the shorter distances. :)
>
> Good luck, let us know how your first ride goes..  you know your horse
better
> than anyone else and if you go slow, I think you would be okay entering
one with
> the amount of riding you've been doing..  but to err on the safe side,
building
> up those miles is probably your best bet.
>
> I found your webpage a while ago..  your mares are too cute.. love that
filly of
> yours also.
>
> If anyone has any comments or corrections on what I've said so far, please
let
> me know..  I'm always learning and am open to new ideas!
>
> Julienne
> julienne.faithweb.com
>
>
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