what do you think?

[justamutt]

We are going on a trip tomarrow to knot CO. KY to go on a big ride (if dave feels better in the mourning) but I'm having mixed emotions about taking Riley (my horse) he is out of shape and I'm worried about it being too hard on him. On one hand I really want to take him with me, we will be walking mostly, but there will be a little gaiting (everyone eles rides gaited horses) and I don't think it will be anything fast passed, plus it will only be around 60 degrees so it wont be very hot. On the other hand, I havn't had alot of time to get him in good shape. I've been working him alot more these last two weeks. I ride at least 2-6 hours each week and lunged him a few times this past few days. Plus he pulled the buggy yesterday. ( I plan on having him pull it a few times a week as well) I've been working pritty hard to get him in shape, but I still worry that this ride which will be around 5-7 hours could be a bit hard on him. I love him so much and I want him to go, but I'm woried that maybe my love for him is clouding my judgment on what would be best for him. and I don't want to make him do anything that could be too hard on him. What do you all think? I trust your judgement, lol!

[Velaara]

A lot of it really depends on the type of ground you will be covering and I can't remember his age but isn't he an older fellow? I will give you my honest opinion, I don't think he has been conditioned enough, at his age, for a ride like that for 5 to 7 hours carrying a rider. It also does depend on the type of ground you are covering, but gaiting horses cover a lot of ground quickly, as you know, and you won't really know how much until you are there doing it, and your boy will have to trot to keep up. So you have to consider that in the equation as well. I have been conditioning my horses for spring and show season, and that meas 5 to 6 days of riding, at least an hour each per day, and I do a lot of long trotting and hill work. Riding 2 to 6 hours in a week I'm sure is helpful, but it also depends on what kind of riding you are doing. Do you ride specifically for conditioning or are you mostly riding around rather relaxed? I TOTALLY understand how you feel, in wanting to take him. And I know it's probably not what you wanted me to say, but if it were me I wouldn't do it because I would be worried about injury or exhaustion. I had to do that twice last year, leave my favorite horse home on a ride because he wasn't in condition for it because he had been off with an injury, so I do really understand.

Terrain, length of ride, the potential for your boy to have to trot more to keep up with the gaited horses, access to water, and his overall body condition.

That is your mental equation you have to figure out. I hope you have a great time!

[justamutt]

I ended up not taking him and I'm glad I didn't. It would have been way too hard on him. We rode for 7 hours and there were quite a few very large steep hills to climb. It wasn't for the horses that are used to it. I can't imagine how hard it could have been for Riley. I am doing alot of hill work with him and trail riding. I live in the mountains so every ride is a workout, lol. I'm hopeing to be able to start riding more and get him in shape. I'll be posting pictures of our ride either tonight or tomarrow! It was awsome and I can't wait to go back in may when they have their big ride! My butt needs to get used to being on a horse that long though, hahaha! I'm sooo sore! plus I rode bareback yesterday so it didn't help. my tailbone is bruised! lol. thanks for the advise!

[KatzNK9]

Ouch, but it sounds like it was worth it! Will look forward to seeing your pics.