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Re: [RC] Running and riding - Michael Lewis

Vickie,
 
I have been an avid runner for 18+ years with tens of thousands of injury-free miles, and am also an Endurance rider (although am taking a temporary break from Endurance of late while putting my wife through college and helping to raise our three young children).  I believe I'm somewhat qualified to provide some thoughts based on my experiences.  Your mileage may vary.
 
I know running alongside the horse has been done successfully by several folks at Tevis and perhaps other elite-level rides.  It is a good skill/ability to have.  :-)
 
I have typically dismounted to run with my horses for a variety of reasons.  Riding away from "in-camp" vet checks sometimes has presented problems, and I have found that running with the horse sometimes is easier and faster than dealing with a horse who wants to fight to return to camp.  Much depends on whether your horse is the type who will "get away" from you if you're not on his back and try to run back to camp.  Mine don't.  I've occasionally run the first half mile or mile from camp when a horse didn't want to leave the vet check.
 
Other times I've run next to my four-legged partner:
 
    - when the trail is muddy or when there are numerous holes
    - when I've sensed the horse is tired--when he seems to be working harder than he should or when his pulse is up for no apparent reason
        -- long climbs late in a very long ride would seem to be a good time to get off and help the horse, as well
    - I've gotten off to run simply to keep myself limber on longer rides, and have found that any post-ride soreness is significantly reduced if not eliminated by doing so
 
Again, your mileage may vary.  I can keep a running pace very similar to the horse's average pace throughout the entire ride distance, so running doesn't really cost us much "time"... though time isn't the only reason one would dismount to run.  Trying to help the horse stay sound for "that next Endurance ride" is a key consideration, as I have only ONE Endurance horse and her long-term health is critical.
 
Have typically run up to 10 miles alongside my horse on long "training rides" where I've needed to round out my own weekly mileage... this is something I have practiced with Molly on training as long as I've owned her, so she's gotten better about respecting my "running space", responding to cues while I'm alongside her, and being led at my running pace.
 
 
Mike
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Sunday, October 18, 2009 12:12 PM
Subject: [RC] Running and riding

I need some advise from those riders who run with their horses.. I have recently started running when I condition and really enjoy it.  I was able to make it to a ride 2 weeks ago and decided to try my hand at running and give him a little break.  I found that he needs the first 22 miles well behind us before it is safe to get off and run vs get off and be drug at high speeds.. :) I would really like some imput from experienced riders who run. When is it best to run, what is going to help the horse the most, and so forth. Any advice is welcome..
 
vickie hogen

Replies
[RC] Running and riding, vjhogen