ridecamp@endurance.net: Re: [endurance] Rule of thumb

Re: [endurance] Rule of thumb

Karen Chaton (karen@chaton.gardnerville.nv.us)
Wed, 31 Jan 1996 11:40:12 -0800 (PST)

>It seems, though, that at least 3 successful endurance riders (Truman,
>Stephanie, and myself) condition far less than 52 miles a week.

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to tell you that I am SO GLAD that I found all of you. The best
part is that I've learned that I *am* riding my horse enough. I no longer
feel like I'm not preparing my horse properly, as some of the local
endurance riders were making me feel. I've been trying to ride this winter ~
though not having much luck lately. The horse does seem to maintain his
recoveries on the monitor. In the summer time some of the local riders
really ride their horses A LOT. I go on backcountry trips where I spend a
lot of hours riding, but since it's mountainous we don't always go real far
(12-30 miles). Anyway, now I know to do what is best for my horse and not
always to rely on what somebody else is doing. I really thought I wasn't
getting to ride enough, so this is a big relief to me (I just don't have the
time) I have a second horse to start this year (he's gonna be 4), so this
takes a lot of pressure off of me. Now I KNOW I can do this.

Thanks, you guys are WAY COOL!

Karen

P.S. If a horse is already fit and conditioned, how long do you guys think
it would take for that horse to lose a significant amount of conditioning?
I know that it depends on each individual horse, but just sort of in-general
so I can get an idea. If my horse gets three or four weeks off in a row,
will that make a big difference? Normally they self-exercise but they both
seem to be just standing around (the ground is frozen, muddy, and snowy).

I'm trying to figure if I should do a ride on April 6th (a 50), if the horse
ends up having an extended period of time off. This will be the first year
I'll start with a 50. The horse is going to be 6. What do you guys think?
Thanks again :-)