Re: RC: Training Question

[Maureen Mathisen <blueoak@snowcrest.net>]

Terry,

Nancy's advice sounds very sound and is exactly how I start my totally
inexperienced horses.WATCH the legs and feet especially, and the horse's
attitude too.  It will tell you a lot(but don't let him get away with
telling you he knows MORE than you about how fast he should go when he's
in a little bit better shape!).  I retired three mares SOUND all over,
for breeding purpoes at eighteen.  All had lots of mileage!  Good luck. 
Maureen

Farafix@aol.com wrote:
> 
> Sandy,
> 
> I'd give her 6 months and try a 15 mile CTR, if you have those near you.  If
> you can do an easy, slow 25 mile LD I might try that with great caution.  In
> a year you can safely do 25/30 CTR's and LD.  In 2 yrs I'd try that 50.  I'm
> pretty cautious, I know folks have successfully done longer distances faster
> than that.  But my mare has 2600 miles and is very sound, her son has about
> 800 now at not quite 6 yet (started him at 2), and is vetting out with all
> A's (will jinx myself now!).
> I'd start walking, maybe light trotting, 5 mile outings a couple of times a
> week, keeping a very careful eye on the legs.  If she seems ok, pick up the
> speed, add more hills, start trotting short sections of dirt/paved road.
> Check the legs always after a ride & before going out.  For a 25 mile ride, I
> prepare by riding 25 miles a week for a few months before the ride, for a 50
> I ride at least 50 miles a week for several months.  You have the whole
> factor of getting her used to leaving home, being with other horses on trail,
> learning to take care of herself in the excitement of being with strange
> horses, etc.
> My understanding is that it takes 18 months to condition ligament & tendons,
> at least 25 months to toughen bone, but only 3 months to condition muscles &
> respitory system.  Can be misleading.
> 
> Good luck, have fun!
> Nancy
> Md
> 
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=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net.    
Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/RideCamp   
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=