As far as comments, about
'25's being too short', in some ways I agree -(Not that my
opinion means anything), for reasons given; some horses
don't learn to take care of self./ or riders to take care of the horse........
and "pacing"; ..... I don't think gets 'ingrained' in the rider. As far as
a learning tool, before stepping - up to higher distances, OK. - as
far as, vet check routines, cooling out procedures......... but think idea of
'mentoring' best. Or , 'watching' events as a volunteer,/ or doing
CTR - to learn pacing, and horse care - ( no crew allowed, at least in
ECTRA, you learn real quick how to take care of horse and self. and
mileage markers help you to learn pacing. From learning such pacing - I
will tell, when an endurance ride isn't measured right, after years of doing
such; if it takes me roughly an hour to go x miles at a given gait.) Some aspire
to do nothing more than 25, and that is fine; **TO EACH HIS OWN.**
However, in
response to question about ? >>
"I really like the 50-mile rides, but
if a ride is particularly rough or if its a 'new' ride for me, I will drop back
down to a shorter distance. My question is ..... is it better to start a
50 that you likely won't be able to finish or drop back and do a 25 you are
pretty sure to complete." .........
If you have successfully done most 25's -
I would hazard a quess ? and say, you can do the 50. Why do you
think - You can't do it? ( even if "tough / new trail", if you know
in advance ( and you do ) - listen to others ( you know other riders
to talk to, ask questions), and at the ride meeting "listen", when
riding - pay attention to trail - and 'time windows' and be
aware - where you can move and where you can not, and have to
take it easy. You know your horses' capabilities by now; -what he can trot
through, what you need to 'pick' through, or where to slow down, ?
is he better uphill, or downhill. Does he handle rocks, deep
footing.? Your own insecurity is holding you back..........Go
in with "the mindset" - I / we can do this.!!! (bet you
can)........... NOT - ' I doubt I can '.( Self defeating attitude).
Note, you are not riding to "race / top ten", but to 'complete',
til you get more comfortable. As long as your horse and you are
"conditioned", I say - 'go for it', you can do it !!; if
you ride within your capabilities. There is No shame in trying and giving
something a honest effort, that you have prepared for, if you
don't succeed, consider it a learning experience.( If you always stay where you
know you can succeed, you can't improve.) If I was riding as much as as I
did, I would offer to 'mentor' you, if wanted, .. however, I never
really was going slow. ; ) Good luck, ( go for it).
StephanieM.
