Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Canter vs extended trot

Like anything else, from choice of saddles to use of bits, you have to decide what works for you and your horse and not get romanced into adopting some else's choices simply because it is what works for them.
Pat

 

Very good point.  I also like to keep a close eye on my HRM which can give you a good indication as to a particular horses gait preference.  I have seen were my Mare travels at a lower HR in the trot over long distance than an easy canter, therefore it seems a more efficient gait for her and yet my gelding is the opposite but both show increases at the extended trot over long distance.   I ride each horse accordingly.  Note; the Mare who hates the canter is also very uncomfortable yet has a trot to die for as far as me the rider is concerned.  Short distance in the extension seems not to change show the same increase and will use this to gain time or stretch out those muscles and also for during "keep fit" riding.   (All these rates above go to a certain point and then level out unless of coarse the speed is increased or they are not in condition.)

Mary

windancer@xxxxxxxxx

----- Original Message -----

From: superpat

To: Ridecamp

Sent: Tuesday, November 05, 2002 12:10 AM

Subject: [RC] Canter vs extended trot

Reference this issue, remember that one has to keep in mind the terrain and the horse. Here in the Pacific NW, there are many rides that do not lend themselves to much cantering. Where the footing and terrain allow, cantering is certainly an option. If for no other reason than it allows the horse to
use muscles differently and different from those in the trot. In this sport, there is no hard and fast rule that one can apply other than common sense. One of my horses seems to use himself better at the canter than my others and for him, when footing and grade allow, the canter would be our gait of choice. My main endurance horse is most efficient at her "all day trot" and when necessary, she can turn on the afterburners and move out nicely at the
trot. With her, this would be our gait of choice.

I would also like to point out that the choice of words "extended trot" with reference to endurance, throws up red flags for me. The true extended trot is especially hard on the legs and should not be encouraged for extended periods of time. This is one sure way to injure your horse.
Whatever gait the rider uses, remember that pacing the horse is of utmost importance.
Of course, my style of riding is not that of the top competitors. I am not going out to win and although we may top ten, I always try to "ride my own ride". That is, not get pushed into going faster than I know is best for my horse (not that the winners don't "ride their own rides"....that is often why they are consistent winners)
Like anything else, from choice of saddles to use of bits, you have to decide what works for you and your horse and not get romanced into adopting some else's choices simply because it is what works for them.
Pat



----- Original Message -----
From: "Linda B. Merims" <lbm@xxxxxxxxx>
To: <ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, November 04, 2002 10:25 AM
Subject: [RC] Canter vs Extended Trot


> Leonard.Liesens@xxxxxxxxxx said:
>
> >-   gaits : most don't canter - I do not understand
> > why - many places were OK for canter especially in
> > what you call the badlands (and event on dirt road) - I
> > think this is less traumatic for the horse as long as
> > the canter is gentle and slow - you guys like the
> > extended trot (we don't do that anymore in Europe)
>
> Interesting.  Remember that Frank Baines (the great
> 19th/early 20th century endurance rider) recommended
> cantering as well.
>
> Has anybody--for example a certain rather obnoxious
> self-taught equine physiologist who runs a group
> on equine sports nutrition on Yahoo--ever done
> carefully-controlled treadmill input/output tests
> to see whether the canter is the more efficient gait
> for any given horse and across the majority of
> horses?
>
> Linda B. Merims
> lbm@xxxxxxxxx
> Massaachusetts, USA
>
>
>
>
>
>
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>  Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.
>  Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp
>  Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp
>
>  If you are an AERC member - PLEASE VOTE in the upcoming By-Laws
>  Election!!!! (it takes 2/3rds to tango!!)
>
> =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
>