A question that often comes up when riders are thinking about moving up to a longer competition distance is, "How do I know my horse can go that far?" It is a legitimate concern whether you are moving your horse from the LD distance to the endurance distance or from 50-mile rides to 100-mile rides.
Most endurance riders do not take their horses on 100-mile training rides before attempting their first 100-mile competition. But there are several things you can do to maximize your success both in training and conditioning before the competition and during the ride itself.
This article will focus on moving up to the 100-mile distance but the suggestions given will work when moving up to any distance.
Strengths and weaknesses
A good place to start when thinking of moving up to a 100-mile ride is to ask yourself two questions:
-- What strengths does a good 100-mile horse need?
-- How does my horse rate in those areas?
There are several traits you might want in a 100-mile horse depending on your personal goals but the following are necessary to ensure success at this distance:
-- A 100-mile horse needs to be free of any metabolic or mechanical abnormalities.
-- The 100-mile horse should be able to maintain a steady and efficient pace that does not waste energy.
-- A 100-mile horse needs to be able to take care of himself on the trail. He should be comfortable eating and drinking on the trail and in vet checks.
If you have been conditioning and competing with your horse at lesser distances for a couple of seasons you probably have a very good idea about how your horse rates in these three areas.
If you find weaknesses work on resolving these as they will only become more of an issue as you increase the competition distance. For example, a horse that does not eat or drink well in vet checks may be able to finish 50-mile rides but most likely will not have enough reserves to successfully complete a 75- or 100-mile ride. Likewise, a horse that finishes 50-mile rides with a slight hitch or poor metabolic scores will be less likely finish 100s.
Two suggestions for improving your horse’s weaknesses are:
Simulating competition conditions at home. If your horse does not eat well in rides, incorporate eating on trail as part of your regular routine. If your horse cannot maintain a steady pace in competition, ride with others at home and practice having your horse in different positions in the group, leap-frogging, and being passed while maintaining a steady pace.
Using AERC competitions as training rides. When you enter a competition think of it as a catered training ride with feedback on your horse’s metabolic and physical condition. Take this opportunity to work on the quality of your ride, not the speed, placing, or even completion. For example, if your horse is not eating at lunch or the one-hour hold, take some extra time to get him eating. When you leave the vet check, take every opportunity to let the horse eat on the trail.
Know when your horse is ready
There really is no foolproof formula for knowing if your horse will complete his first 100. There are several ways to ensure that the odds of finishing are in your favor. Here are some suggestions that will increase the odds for success at your horse’s first 100. It is assumed that your horse has a LSD (long, slow distance) base of conditioning/training.
Pioneer rides and two-day 100s. Multi-day rides are a great way to prepare for a one-day 100. Not only is this a good way to add additional mileage to your horse’s training, it is a great opportunity to make sure that saddles, equipment, tack, hoof protection, and the rider’s gear fit and work properly. It is quite common to have to make a few tack adjustments because what works for a shorter one-day ride may not work as you add more miles.
If you are not able to enter multi-day rides try to do some longer distance (25 mile-plus) back-to-back training rides at home along with some 50-mile competitions.
75-mile rides. Use 75s as stepping stones to the 100-mile distance. This distance is an excellent way to increase one-day competition distance.
Plan several 50s. Do a series of four or five 50-mile rides spaced three to four weeks apart at 100-mile pace before your 100-mile ride. Be sure to leave enough rest time between your last competition and the 100.
Some other suggestions to use to prepare for success at the 100 mile distance are:
Rider fitness. The more fit you are as a rider on competition day the more you will be able to help your horse. As you condition your horse, work on your own fitness. You don’t need to be able to be on the ground tailing up every hill (although your horse would appreciate that) but you should be able to maintain good riding posture for the duration of the 100-mile ride. Be sure to experiment with human electrolytes, ride food, etc., so you know what works for your body.
Train to the conditions you will be competing in. If you choose a 100 where you will be riding at night on narrow trails make sure your horse has been ridden on narrow trails at night. If you choose a flat 100-mile ride make sure you have practiced on flat changing leads and diagonals.
Never increase speed and distance at the same time. This holds true for competition as well as training and condition rides.
Take a fresh horse to competition. One of the most common errors riders make is to bring a tired horse to competition. In the quest to get ready for a 100, riders will over-condition their horse. Plan your training/competition calendar around the 100-mile event and schedule in a tapering or easy riding for at least three to four weeks before the 100. You will gain no fitness these last few weeks and will lessen your chances of completion if you continue hard training or hard competition.
Just do it. If you have done your homework and if you use common sense during your ride, your odds of success increase. But, even if you do not complete your horse’s first 100, you have come away with a wealth of information. Use this information to adjust your training and conditioning program.
Still not sure?
If you are still not comfortable about when to move your horse up to the 100-mile distance AERC has several resources available to members. The AERC website has a wealth of information on competing and moving up to the 100-mile distance. There are also AERC mentors available with expertise in 100-mile rides.
You can also contact your regional AERC mentor liaison who is listed on the website and in most issues of Endurance News.
New members: join online by clicking here or phone the office toll-free, 866-271-2372.
Renewing? Click here, or give the office staff a call at 866-271-2372.
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