ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] Kicking On The Trail

[endurance] Kicking On The Trail

Pam Haynes (70302.1720@compuserve.com)
12 Apr 96 08:28:41 EDT

Just a couple of thoughts on kicking and training. My mare is approaching 18
and has finally settled down fairly well on the beginning of rides, but even
last year as we crossed the start line of a ride, she let go with a mighty BUCK.
She isn't bucking to unseat me and she isn't kicking at being crowded, she is
bucking for the pure joy of starting the ride. For several years, the normal
pre-ride warm-up include Wendy and me bucking our way through camp. She tried
hard not to buck but she just couldn't help herself. When I asked her to stop,
she would sort of hop and down in place.

With all the talk about kickers on the trail, it seems the discussion has
focused on kicking horses coming up from behind. However, I have seen even more
vicious "cow kicking" (to the side), with one well-placed kick landing square on
a rider's ankle on a narrow trail at the beginning of a ride. I think the moral
is you never know when even the most predictable horse might let loose with a
kick, and when at all possible you should give as wide a berth as possible when
overtaking and passing, always asking for trail, always giving it when safe.

Just my 2 cents worth.