Re: any help on "race brain" in an Arab. After 28 miles he still had it!

["Cora" <bandc@teknett.com>]

Wouldn't hurt to try a multi-day either....Cora...good post Karen
----- Original Message -----
From: DreamWeaver <nvrider@home.com>
To: <ridecamp@endurance.net>
Cc: <ecain@domans.com>
Sent: Wednesday, August 22, 2001 5:33 PM
Subject: RC: any help on "race brain" in an Arab. After 28 miles he still
had it!


> At 04:39 PM 08/22/2001 -0700, you wrote:
> >Ethel Cain ecain@domans.com
> >Any suggestions as to how to get my Arab's attention during his race
brain
> >mode.  Just wants to gallop the whole race even after 28 miles.  It is a
> >fight.  What do people suggest to get his attention!  Also, has anyone
had
> >any experience with calming products on the market. Using a mild curb bit
> >on him.  When he is not competing in the endurance rides he is great.  An
> >exceptionally fast walker though.
> >Thanks for any help!!
>
> Hi Ethel:  We could use a bit more information.  How much experience does
> your horse have -- is he just starting to do his first few 50's? Since you
> mentioned 28 miles, I'm assuming you are riding 50 miles and not a 30 mile
> LD?  What kind of ride are you taking him on?  Is it flat, or mountainous
> terrain?  How old is he?
>
> When you say he just wants to gallop, is he trying to run away with
> you?  Are you able to control his rate of speed even though you can't
> control which gear (gait) he is in?  Are you using a martingale of any
sort
> on him?  Have you ridden him in group situations before?  Have you done
any
> arena work with him?
>
> I can give you some advice in the meantime, at least I can tell you what
> worked for me with my head-strong horse.  If he wouldn't listen I would
> simply get of and walk.  Make sure it's safe first.  Don't start with the
> group, wait till everybody leaves or start out leading down the
> trail.  I've done that and actually led my idiot on foot one time for two
> hours before getting on.  I lost count how many circles he ran around me,
> but I think he probably did about double the mileage that day. After that
> though, boy he learned that when I got off and went to lead him, that we
> weren't going to go any faster until he settled down.  I didn't want to
> gallop, and he didn't want to walk.  So we both settled for a trot.
>
> Think patience.  When you are walking down the trail, tell yourself that
if
> you were a doctor you'd be so rich because of all the patience you have!
>
> One other thing that you might find helpful is to find a friend to ride
> with that has an experienced horse.  Then ride a ride or two with
> them.   Sometimes it helps the inexperienced horse to hang out with a more
> mature, laid back horse that isn't acting excited, and is happy trotting
at
> a consistent speed.  The problem with this is sometimes the new horse
> starts to get too attached and then suffers separation anxiety.  You just
> have to judge how you think your horse will handle it mentally.
>
> I can't comment on any type of calming product.  I don't think those
things
> are allowed, but I guess it depends on what is in them.  Try more training
> first.
>
> Happy Trails,
>
> Karen
> in NV
>
>
>
>
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