Re: [RC] Conditioning for LD vs. 50 miler - moving up within season - DVeritas
In a message dated 2/27/2004 2:13:45 PM Mountain Standard Time, kcrazzmatazz@xxxxxxxxxxx writes:
would just like to get some ideas from you guys so I can plan a safe and successful first season
Hi Karen,
I still like to approach fiftys or hundreds with the idea that we've been given either 12 hours or 24 hours to get through it.
That said, I then very practically break it down into how far to the first vet check, second check, etc.
Then, the distance just is more manageable.
I've ridden my miles a manageable slice at a time....lst vet check 15 miles. No problem...we ride fifteen miles, take a really nice break, eating, drinking, relaxing, vet through......2nd vet check, 15 miles. Hey, we just did that, I know how to do that. THEN, the horse figures out the system.
Last year was the first year for my six year old gelding, Tonk. His first ride, was a fifty (in the Black Hills) on a Saturday. His second ride was a fifty, the following day. He did one more fifty a month later and then his first 100 (the Big Horn 100) a month after that. Not typical, but it can be done, if the horse is prepared and the rider rides considerate of the conditioning of his horse and how to make it happen safely and humanely.
For me, it's always been riding small bites of the big ol' pie.
I hope you have a wonderful ride season and that you are able to enjoy the trails with your Morgan.
Good Luck...(it really is no more complicated than that, ride from vet check to vet check with the idea of completing the ride safely and successfully, doing what it takes to make those things happen.)
