i think Amy's advice is the best! trot where you
can and walk where you must. ride with as many different riders as you can
and as the miles go on, you will feel confident.
here is my input. be sure your horse listens to
you...that you can start at a walk from your home on training rides. maybe
he will, maybe he won'tlisten to you at the start of an endurance ride, but at
least you will know he does know how to listen. i think having control of
your horse at home and knowing what he will and won't do is a very important
factor in when to start.
be sure your saddle fits you and your horse. oh,
man, my calves were killing me after my first 50.
on my first LD, after it was over, i thought, is that
it??!! i could go more and i want to go more! so start with a
50. look at the high milage riders...they barely have any LD
miles.
just listen to everyone who offers advice and use what
works for you. only go when you are sure. i've always lived by
that rule (my own rule), and i've enjoyed most every mile.
I had no confidence in myself but my fellow riding buddies who competed
did. I did several 23 mile training rides and got through just fine. My friend
said that if my horse could do half the mileage easily I was ready for a slow
50.
I chose a ride similar to the conditions we train on at home and off I went
at a completion pace. I was tired and my horse looked great and we finished. I
rode in non-competitive mode for quite a while and still do really. You'll be
surprised at what good things come your way when you're careful.
Ask questions of everybody, take no word as the bible and use info that
fits for you. There's many ways to do this. Just take it easy. Trot where you
can, walk where you have to.
Good luck!!!!
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