Go to www.aerc.org across
the top are drop down menus, select “Education”,
from that menu select “Rider Handbook”. Then just scroll down &
read the handbook. There is information on feeding, feeding on ride day,
conditioning, what to expect at ridecamp, etc. The
rules that are different for LD are specified.
To help your horse relax more when others are handling her, you
can try rubbing concentric circles in the middle of her forehead, above the
eyes, below the forelock. This can sometimes also help her to pulse down. Gently
play with her face, rub it, brush, scratch for her, rub your fingers under her
lips and even massage the nostrils, the horses usually like this after you’ve
gotten them accustomed to it. Have a friend help do all these things also.
As far as speed & conditioning, there is a great section
in the handbook that goes into some detail about rides per week & speed. It
indicates that the “S” in LSD is 5MPH in the beginning, and should gradually
increase to 10MPH. Also mentions that 3 rides a week are usually enough, even
in the beginning.
