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However Bud needs a lot more long slow distance conditioning and =
therefore (lack of
time/conditioning) the two of them didn't make it to any other ride this =
year.
This is where the real foundation begins. One of the things I have =
discovered, is that once my Fox Trotter's condition started to improve, =
I got more benefit from fewer, but longer rides. We typically put in one =
20+ miler a week (weather permitting), and the improvement is quite =
noticeable. It seems to require several weeks of shorter (6-10 milers) =
to provide the same results. But you do have to have the initial work =
done first.
Those of you riding Fox Trotters out there, are they really foxtrotting =
for 25, 50 and maybe 100 miles and what are your experiences with the =
gaits? Don't you have to ride your
horse somewhat collected (meaning with contact on the bit) in order to =
get a
real foxtrot and how do you maintain this over a long distance?
My experience is that riding on the bit is not necessary to maintain the =
Fox Trot. Star has responded much better to no bit, I now work her in a =
sidepull. She seems to work a lot easier, and I don't think it is as =
tiring for her or me. For her, the Fox Trot is a natural gait, and she =
does it without any encouragement. This is basically a cruise mode, and =
she doesn't have any problem maintaining it for long periods. IMHO, the =
collected Fox Trot is more appropriate to the show ring than the =
Endurance Trail.=20
I don't exclusively use the Fox Trot, in fact, I probably encourage her =
to use an extended trot more. I'm not sure what to call it, it has the =
same rhythm and feel as a Fox Trot, but is much faster and she is =
comfortable holding it. Depending on the terrain, I am letting her Fox =
Trot, Extended Trot, canter or whatever, she seems to be developing a =
real sense for matching gait to trail conditions. All of these are =
smooth and comfortable. It keeps her more alert and focused on what we =
are doing. As her condition has improved, she is much more likely to be =
in one of the faster paces. The Fox Trot is really great for that last =
mile or so into the vet check, her heart rate comes right down.
My riding style would make the "Purist" Fox Trotter trainers cringe, but =
it is what seems to work for us. I feel that Endurance Riding requires a =
much different approach than the show ring or casual trail riding. You =
definitely have to ride these horses, you can't just sit back and relax =
all the time. I think the trick is to really understand your horse, and =
work at maximizing it's individual strengths. Lots and Lots and Lots of =
miles.....
I am not sure how "successful" we'll be, but she has absolutely amazed =
me with her progress. Her disposition, smooth gaits and willingness to =
please make her an absolute joy to ride.
Bruce
Emmett, ID
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