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RE: [RC] Long Trailer rides and recovery time - paulI agree with Joe Long about the importance of letting the horses out every so often. We usually try to make it 5 hour intervals, with 20-30 minutes out and walking. We always try to find a place with grass to graze. I was told it was important that they be able to lower their head every so often. One thing that has really helped with hauling is that we bought an underlay pad that goes under the hard rubber mats. The kind we got is like a dark piece of foam . It has held up ok for the two years, but has a few places where it has gotten flat (squashed). It seems like with the extra cushioning, they don't get as stiff from the haul. When we hauled two horses 2,000 miles to Tevis in 2007, we stayed at fairgrounds, and let the horses out in the arenas after the 4-h kids went home. We got to Reno on Saturday about noon, and the next day hauled down to Auburn and pre-rode the last 6 miles to Lower Quarry and back, The horses moved free and loose, and felt great. After Tevis, we went back to Reno Sunday after the awards, and headed back home Tuesday. They never got stiff on the 2,000 mile ride home. We think the underlayment made the difference. We've done several 1,000 mile plus hauls, and had really good luck with having non stiff horses on arrival. Paul N. Sidio Spokane MO =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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