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Re: [RC] Time off before 100's - Dabney Finch

Kathy asked:
 
"maybe 2 or 3 weeks, prior to a 100 mile ride, and then 2-4 weeks off after as well. Can anyone with years of experience with 100's, tell me if this usually complete time off, with only pasture turn-out, or, are the horses usually still ridden lightly."
 
2-4 after the 100 is easy--absolutely a good idea, so long as there is adequate turnout.  I wait until my horse "asks" to go out on trail again.
 
The other question is tougher, because it: 1) depends on your horse's athleticism (more experienced horses hold their fitness better) and personality (does he get whacko if not ridden?) and living conditions (plenty of space, and does he use it?), and 2) it's an individual rider thing--there are very successful riders who train hard almost up to the event (Suzy Kelley), and others who completely lay off several weeks before and do well too.
 
I tend to ride only 2 or 3 times in the last couple of weeks before a 100, each ride of decreasing mileage, and then decreasing speed as well to where the last ride is pokey (as much as possible, which with a couple of my horses is frighteningly easy.)
 
So, I guess bottom line is it's a "feel" thing you develop and there are no hard and fast rules.  Hope this helps!
 
--Dabney

Replies
[RC] Time off before 100's, sherman