Jan 12 2011
Training Day #4
"Subscribe to Endurance Riding!"
The weather was definitely nicer today – warmer and sunny at times. But I knew I had to work Beauty today before I did any training with Asali.
Beauty and Jakob
Beauty is my son Jakob’s Appendix mare. We adopted her from Safe Haven Horse Rescue back in August. She is a beautiful 16 hands and a wonderful trail horse. She is honest and sweet. And today I found out she has speed! I rode her on the trail with my mom, who was riding Raven, a 19 year old ex-eventing Thoroughbred. When we decided to canter up the hill towards home, Raven took off at a full speed gallop and Beauty followed, staying close behind. Another fun ride!
After lunch, I got Asali ready. I groomed her and picked her feet (you know, the normal horse care). I decided to ride in the Tucker endurance saddle again. I also decided to ride in the Nurtural again. Although I can ride Asali in just a rope halter, I’m finding out that the Nurtural gives me just a little more control. I’m able to communicate better with Asali and she seems to like the bitless bridle just fine. Plus, it’s purple!
Getting ready.
Today, Mom asked to join us on our ride. She rode Sophie, a 5 year old mare she’s training, and ponied two horses, Winnie and Donovan. I ponied Forest. Once out on the trail, Mom let Winnie run loose, which she really enjoyed. But, of course, like always, she got all the other horses riled up. It was what we like to call a “Wa-hoo” ride. After we finished the 2 mile loop, we took Winnie, Donovan, and Forest back to the barn and then continued on with Asali and Sophie.
Party of 5
We rode a total of about 6.5 miles today, with me walking and leading Asali for the last mile. I was pleased that Asali moved out the entire ride – we did a lot of fox trotting and cantering. Both Asali and Sophie worked up a sweat.
Most of the reading I’ve been doing on endurance training advises to start slow. Never increase both distance and speed at the same time. One article I read said to train at least 3 times a week and to mix up the training – one day work on distance, one day speed. Gradually increase distance. And on the days you work on speed, ride a shorter distance.
While Asali is already in good shape because I typically ride 3-5 times a week consistently (and we’re working on trails with steep inclines), I know we are going to need to work on the distance part. Often times I will only ride for an hour at a time. Right now my plan is to continue to ride 3-5 times a week, focusing on riding 2-4 hours each time and encouraging her to move out each time we ride.
Once the weather gets nice and I can be sure the trails have good footing, I plan on riding past Stirling City, up to In Skip. We can also ride to Butte Meadows from Lovelock Road, which is a 30 mile trek round-trip. I’m looking forward to Spring!
Oh…. looks so fun….. I hope to join you soon!My oldest Arab, age 20 ,is a previous track racer and LOVES to Go!
This is out of the horse’s mouth, that black mare in the stall next to mine who looks a lot like me. Raven told me Beauty never came close to catching her, even though she is 18 years old and Beauty is only 8. Could you set the record straight, Sis?
Carol,
YES! I can’t wait to ride with you and your Arab. Let’s plan something soon, okay? Where do you like to ride? We could do an all-day trek around Lake Oroville… I’ve never ridden there before. Or… you could trailer up here! And maybe camp one night in our campground??? Fun!
-Jaya
Winnie,
Beauty has never run so fast in her life! She never really “caught up” to Raven, but she was a CLOSE behind! That’s what she told me anyway, when we were gossiping over the fence yesterday.
Asali