We had a marvellous weekend over in Germany at the 90 Kilometer
(approx. 57 Miles) in (hilly Sauerland town) Eisborn (ELDRIC Trophy ride).
My Akhal Teke "Love over Gold" and I ended up 5th place (best Dutch
rider). Average speed about 12 km/h.
Three weeks ago we did a 100 Kilometer (approx. 62.5 Miles) with
average speed 14 km/h. in flat, countryside Eersel (Netherlands)
Further we have done on April 2, 55 Kilometer (approx. 35 Miles) in the
middle of the Netherlands with average 15.5 km/h. On April 23, same
distance in the Ardennes (Belgium). Average 11.8 km/h. and on April 30,
30 Kilometers (approx. 20 Miles) in Germany with average 12.8 km/h.
Now I want to give him a couple of weeks off from competition (till end of
July), but others from our team, who participated in the Eisborn ride too
last weekend and did the Eersel ride with an average of 17.5 km/h. are
now planning to go to Arnhem (The Netherlands) for a heavy, sandy 110
Kilometer (approx. 67.5 Miles) within 3 weeks.
Our horses have about the same vet results (gate times and rates) and
are in the sport for about the same period of time. One of the horses is
already a bit "sauer" (ears in her neck at Ridgeway trot, trying to bite,
etc.) Shouldn't it be better to give especially this horse a break?
I am wondering how many rides you all do a year and over what
distances? How long in between of two rides? Would like to see
whether perceptions are different in The States.
Greetings,
Desiree Hanen - The Netherlands
(Still.... it takes Love over Gold & to finish is to win!)