Re: Speed bumps in the Grasslands

[K S Swigart <katswig@deltanet.com>]

Bob & Amber Roberts <mlaboure@flash.net> wrote:

> Those of you who have ridden in the LBJ National Grasslands, TX lately
> will
> have noticed the "speed bumps" in the middle of the trails.  They were
> put there to solve some kind of water problem (what water?) but are
> terrible if you are trying to make any speed on a horse.  A horse will
> just get into a nice trot, hit a LARGE HUMP in the trail and have to
> break gait, just get into a nice trot again and hit another and have to
> break gait. It's the pits!

These things are called "water barriers" and the forrest service puts them
in (at least around here) to minimize erosion on the fire breaks.  I
consider them to be a good thing.

Not only because I like the idea of minimizing erosion on the trail, but
because they are a GREAT training aid, if you just are willing to see them
that way.  Here's why:

When we ride endurance we need to be able to negotiate all types of trail,
not just those that are smooth and flat.  We need to avoid rocks, trees,
dead falls, gullies from erosion :), changes in footing, etc.  To do this
most efficiently, it is a great help to have a horse that can remain
balanced through turns and transitions.

So rather than thinking that these things just interrupt your "nice trot"
think of it as an opportunity to teach your horse (and you) how to balance
itself over varied terrain.  Prepare the horse for the bump before it gets
to it (half-halt) and shorten its stride (collection) as it comes down the
back side.

or...jump the bump (that's what I do).  You still have to prepare the
horse for it before it gets to it (half-halt) and lengthen the stride
(enough to clear the bump entirely) just before going over it.

The important thing is to maintain good balance for both horse and rider
throughout the "maneuver."  There are (in my experience) few trails better
than those with water barriers for balancing a horse on its haunches over
varied terrain.  When you get really good at it, your horse won't even
break stride.

Then, when you go to a ride with an assortment of step over gates along
the way, you can maintain stride and impulsion, keep the horse straight
through the gate posts :), and go merrily on your way without a moment's
pause.

kat
Orange County, Calif.

> having some specialists come out this coming Wednesday to look a the
> situation and try to rectify the problem.  He asked me to have as many
> people as possible write to him expressing their dissatisfaction with
> those bumps and he would see what he could do to have them removed.  He
> said "they put them in - they can take them out."

If they put them in for a good reason (to minimize erosion), you will be
much happier with the "problem" of water barriers, than you will be with
an eroded trail. :)

kat
Orange County, Calif.