Endurance.Net Ridecamp Archives

I agree with Bruce, for me however, is how much fun are we having?  

Christina McCarthy

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> Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2007 05:51:48 -0700
> From: bweary@xxxxxxxxxxxx
> To: ridecamp@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
> Subject: [RC] Reducing Risk
> 
> I'm going to suggest a little game. Let's show what we know to 
> ourselves, and more importantly, to any newbie lurkers (or veterans, for 
> that matter) about measures we take to reduce risk to our horses in an 
> endurance ride. This may end up being a fundamental review, but there 
> may be that one tidbit that someone offers that helps someone else--or 
> their horse. You can list as many strategies as you like.
> I'll start. I think the most important thing I can do to reduce risk 
> in my endurance horse is to bring him to the ride in the best possible 
> condition I can muster, and then ride him within that conditioning. I 
> keep a calendar of workouts, and when life gets busy, I am amazed at how 
> many days can go by before I get back in the saddle to train. Those lost 
> days are easily forgotten, but hard on the horse, in that they deprive 
> him of the strength and stamina he needs to cover a 50 or 100 mile ride. 
> He probably got fewer groceries, too. I liken it to the disadvantage a 
> prize fighter has if he doesn't train hard or often enough. He isn't 
> trying to stagger through 15 rounds, he needs to stay strong throughout, 
> so he doesn't get hurt. Same with the horse. Fatigue leads to tripping, 
> leg injuries, metabolic disorders, thumping, mental duress, sour mind, 
> and a host of other problems. I want more than enough horse to finish 
> the ride, and that only comes from a firm conditioning program, 
> punctuated with plenty of rest. A more than fit horse can deal with the 
> trailer ride, getting lost on the trail, adverse weather changes, 
> missing feed/supplies at a vet check, water shortages, standing tied to 
> a trailer for two or three days, dehydration, etc., better than a less 
> fit horse.
> I guess it's like getting a soldier ready for war. Disciplined 
> exercise, good feed and trusted equipment, and a night out with the boys 
> every now and then. When I look in my mare's eyes and I see that "Sir, 
> yes sir!" look, I know she's ready. 
> FWIW, Dr Q
> 
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