Ridecamp: [RC] Sweat, Conditioning and -40 C Weather...

Hello RC,

I own two geldings that have been on pasture 700 km away for the past 10 months 
(because of health reasons, I couldn't ride and the board was free). They are 
Arab crosses, one is 12 years old and a seasoned Eventer and one is five years 
old and going well under saddle. They have not been worked much in the last 
year except for pleasure trail riding in the summer. They are both very unfit 
and fat right now.

I am having them shipped to a stable near me this weekend. I am very excited to 
start riding again and I am aiming to try my first LD next summer, possibly my 
first 50 if all goes well.

My question is...how do I get these boys in shape??? I understand the basics of 
conditioning (I used to 3-Day Event) and I will take it very slow as we are all 
out of shape (me included!). My main concern is that I am boarding them 
outdoors where temperatures reach -40. I have access to an indoor riding arena 
and horse blankets but I cannot afford indoor box stall boarding (plus I think 
my boys would be miserable to be inside all the time). I don't want to run into 
trouble with sticking a sweaty horse outside in the cold. Is it impossible to 
condition a really out of shape horse (which would lead to sweating) and still 
manage to keep them outside AND healthy? What precautions should I take? Is 
clipping absolutely necessary??

If conditioning (and sweating) is going to put these boys at risk should I wait 
til spring to start serious training? Is shooting for next summer a little too 
optimistic of a goal???

Thanks in advance,

Tamara

P.S. I was married on Oct 12 and we asked for camping equipment for gifts. Both 
hubby and I are excited to get involved with endurance and all that comes with 
it!

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