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[RC] training rides - AgilbxrI guess I'm not doing too bad in the preparation of the first 50 mile ride (that I'm not planning for until november). I was headed over to an organized benefit ride in Jennings Forest. I board just outside the forest and the ride was about 5 miles from where Alpine lives. I was supposed to be there in time to guide the gaited riders out on a two hour trail ride. I left the barn at 7 am with the intent on making a leisurly ride over there, and be ready in plenty of time to lead the 9am trail ride. Glad I had planned that much time, cause I got myself turned around, ended up trotting and cantering about 14 miles in an hour and a half to get there in time. Rode in at 9am, gave my horse a drink, and headed out for another two hours of medium speed ride. Got back into camp, pulled my tack, and gave Alpine a hour or so break, then headed home (by the much shorter route). All in all, by the time I rode back home in the 92 degree florida humid heat at 1pm, I rode around 30 miles. In my haste this morning, I forgot that cantering my horse still made me nervous, and wonder of wonders, the only thing my horse spooked at was the racoon that ran up a tree (and spooked me too...) So I think it was a good ride for Alpine. I had anticipated the heat, so had water/beet pulp slurry/electrolytes planted at the campground where the ride originated, and he did fantastic. He doesn't like paste electrolytes. *grin* He finished happy and sound, although I did worry for a few minutes, cause by the time I got home, he was refusing to trot, going to straight into a canter from a walk. I think he was just in a hurry to get home though, cause he was FINE today when I checked on him. I didn't plan that kind of ride, but it's very encouraging to me that in this kind of heat, he did fantastic. If I do much more of that though, he's going to get shoes put back on. We did break off a pretty good chunck of foot in that, but it doesn't seem to bother him too much. Anyway, going to go soak in the tub. I have a few sore muscles, but nothing like I would have thought....guess I'm doing something right too! Juli and Alpine (please feed me, I'm now VERY hungry) ============================================================ When you ask a Quarter horse for something he says - Sure - and when you ask an Arab for something he says - Why? - ~ Heidi Smith ridecamp.net information: http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/ ============================================================
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