Subject: Re: [RC] Transitioning from
Miami to Oregon terrain -- need some h
Hi Lori, I have ridden my horses in all
kinds of terrain and climate and they have done fine because I have taken
it really SLOW! As an example, when I've bought a new horse, I
expect it to take at least 6 months to adjust its body to its new home and
that's not saying anything about being ridden by a new rider in new
terrain. To me, most signs of the stress a horse is under due to a
big move are very subtle; the horse may not appear stressed at all, but it
is. So, my advice is to go slow, take the time it takes
and always make sure your horse is getting enough good food to keep it's
weight right. Your horse may need even more hay than usual this
winter since it is dealing with cold and wet for the first time. I'd
put my money on good quality hay rather than e'lytes which are used to
replace what's lost in sweat which he probably isn't doing much of now or
a specific vitamin. If you're the picky sort, have the hay you buy
analyzed then feed whatever supplementary vitamins and minerals are
needed. Some of his boldness may just be excitement
over being in a new and exciting place (& cooler weather). You
are right to hold him back. Since it's getting into winter, this is
the perfect time to take it easy and just go for short, easy pleasure
rides exploring your new territory. "Conditioning" can wait til
spring! Have fun! Laney
> Hi
Everyone, > > Now that Vashka and I are in Oregon, we have
a lot of getting used to > the terrain to do! It's a BIG change, going
from completley flat to > almost all ups and downs. >
> Vashka is very bold and willing. In fact he's so bold and willing
that > I have to learn to hold him back, so he doesn't hurt himself.
> Something I never had to do before. > > Last
Sunday, I hate to admit, I was unable and partly unwilling to > pull
him back and he came up sore. This was my fault and I learned a > big
lesson about getting my ego out of the way and about riding my own >
ride. > > I am now determined to start our conditioning on
a serious note and to > cut way, way back on the length and difficulty
of our rides. > > Is there anyone out there who has made
this kind of transition > successfully? I would love to hear from
you. > > Also, I have been told to check into electrolytes
and or vitamin B -- > to help Vashka have the extra energy this
transition is taking. I have > ordered from ABC before but the shipping
is so expensive. Any other, > less costly alternatives? >
> Thansk everyone, > > Lori and
Vashka
