Re: RC: 25's v 50s

[CMKSAGEHIL@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/17/99 2:42:40 PM Pacific Daylight Time, 
sunibey@sisqtel.net writes:

<< Thanks, Karen.  So far everyone who has responded has been in agreement
 about this.  Ideally, I'd like to start out with a 12 hr. 50 (maybe 11:30 to
 be on the safe side).  Hopefully, I can find another one or two riders who
 also want to start ten minutes after the group and time their ride to take
 most of the allotted time. >>

Actually, with a horse that is a real good prospect, boredom becomes a factor 
on a near-12-hour 50.  I also tend to start ours on 50's instead of 25's, but 
we usually aim for about an 8-9 hour 50, which keeps them more interested 
than going TOO slow.  Also, we try to go to the rides with the toughest 
terrain with our newbies, for several reasons.  1)  The whole pack doesn't 
run off and leave them on the tough ones.  2)  There is much more variation 
in how they use their muscles, so they actually seem to fatigue less than on 
the flat rides where they use the same muscles over and over.  3)  They are 
much easier to rate if you head them up a mountain instead of out across the 
desert.  4)  They don't get bored as easily.  For those reasons, I save the 
"easy" rides for my more experienced horses that are more focused and more 
fit.

Heidi


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