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RE: [SPAM] [RC] First 25 mile ride - heidiChelsea, if you have been riding distances up to 25 miles in
training, your horse is probably actually ready to do 50 miles at a
ride. And from what you say about your mare being a bit high,
that would be a far better way for her to start out.
When you start a really fit horse on shorter distances, there is a
tendency for them to think, "Gee, is that all this is?" and for their
behavior to get worse. But if you start directly on 50s, it is
often easier to find a slower-paced buddy by just waiting a few minutes
before going down to the start, and the distance will tend to get their
attention a bit better. They tend not to be too bad at their
first rides, but you are more apt to find experienced horses on the 50s
to be good "role models" and by her next ride, she will be thinking,
"Gee, it is a long day out there when we come to these things, so I'd
better not be silly."
I personally much prefer to start horses on 50s if they have any
decent base at all, and it sounds like your mare does.
Heidi
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