ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] Seeking tips.

Re: [endurance] Seeking tips.

Linda Cowles @ PCB x5624 (linda_cowles@MENTORG.COM)
Mon, 2 Oct 95 15:18:00 -0700

> 1) For those trying to do it all and work full time... How do you
> condition, and train in the winter months??

I have my horses at home and trailer out to trail ride. In winter (good
weather) I ride trail Saturday and Sunday, and get in as much arena work
(dressage) as I can evenings.

Dressage maintains condition and improves riding form. I ride in the arena
2 or 3 times a week, but don't sweat it if I go a week or two without riding.
My horses maintain a good level of fitness if I only get them out on the
trail several times a month durring the middle of winter.

> Do you just ride in the dark, rain, and mud. .....

I love riding in the dark, but don't have much opportunity where I live
now. When I did it regularly, I rode primarily at a walk, getting in
lots of hill-climbing. I have great night-vision, so trotting in the
dark doesn't bother me, but I did tend to walk.

As for mud, it depends on how much and the consistancy. If it's slick
everywhere, and horses aren't used to mud, you need to be very cautious.
Some mud is little more than wet earth on a solid base with good traction,
but some is like ice and can cause serious injuries.

The trick with "mud" is knowing your parks and trails. For example, in
the So Bay area of California, Quicksilver is okay after a day to dry,
and many of the trails are okay, if muddy, immediately after rain. I ride
Mt Madonna often, because the footing there remains good, and much of the
slick silt is washed off of the steep trails. My horses have turnout in
big paddocks on a slope that get slick, so they do ok in mud.

I'm a low-key rider, I just don't push it. The horse gets more time off,
and is really fresh in the spring. My horses have ample turnout, a key
factor in their fitness routine.

The bottom line, for me, is my philosophy is that a horses soundness is
more important than a training ride.

Have fun ! Linda
Gilroy California