ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] re: Conditioning for a 50

[endurance] re: Conditioning for a 50

Kathy Myers (kmyers@collagen.com)
14 Mar 1996 12:08:28 U

Amounst other things, Tina Writes:
>
> Is it just me or I am the only one amazed at how *little* it really takes
> for a horse to be able to do 50 miles? I don't mean for you guys that are
> out to win - I know that that takes much more than I was doing. I'm
> talking about for someone beginning with a reasonably fit and healthy horse
> and wanting to complete 50s with some horse left.

I think this was part of the original AERC point. The horses aren't as
wimpy as people were beginning to think they were. You know, "Boy,
you should have seen those pony-express horses. Now *THAT* was a
Horse! Whatchu got there is a Toy." Quite a few horses (and riders)
really *can* finish a 50 mile ride, if they take it slow and easy.

Marisa, your schedule sounds fine. Magnum does OK with twice a week.
It's difficult to stick to the "take it easy" part though. Especially
with a horse that likes to go. You and I need to work doubly hard
at remembering this.

Also, keep in mind that Special will pick up weight best if she's
getting a little slow work instead of no riding at all.

:) - kat
and Magnum the TB in his second (or third) career.