In response to Dr. Ken Marcella's call for suggestions for AERC's Education Committee (EN, August 2006), we had a thoughtful response from Lynda Fenneman, a Pacific Southwest Region rider who has nearly 1,000 endurance miles in four years of competition.
Lynda sent in an extensive list of questions, which she titled, "What I wish I had known . . . sooner." She noted, "I didn't know any of this stuff when I first started out and it was difficult to find out some of the answers, as lots of peopleÑwho say they know what they are doing -- didn't actually know much more than me (but at least I knew I didn't know anything)."
She suggested a panel of experts to discuss her points, but we'll take an easier way out and provide places where answers, suggestions, and opinions can be found. Our sources emphasize the scientific over the casual as information sources. Some of Lynda's queries will end up as Education Update articles in future issues.
Lynda complimented Endurance News as an "invaluable source of reliable information." With member suggestions and input, that will continue with each new issue.
How to pace my horse.
www.aerc.org/upload/ArtofPacing.pdf
www.aerc.org/AERC_Rider_Handbook110303.asp
www.aerc.org/upload/NegSplits.asp
www.aerc.org/Web_Links.asp
www.seraonline.org/Conditioning.pdf
Information about bridles, bitsÑand how to use themÑand various other methods of "control."
www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/tack_apparel/bit_gallery
A HREF="http://iceryder.net/bit-severity.html">http://iceryder.net/bit-severity.html
How to be better prepared for the excitement of the start, and the competitive changes that transform your nice trail horse into a raging maniac.
www.aerc.org/upload/ArtofPacing.pdf
www.aerc.org/ENJuly05Ed.asp
www.seraonline.org/Training/ta2.pdf
Explanation of "rules of the road": trail etiquette, passing (who is the "burdened vessel"?), who has the right of way, plus manners and good sportsmanship.
www.aerc.org/upload/Safety_Etiquette.pdf
www.aerc.org/ENSept05Ed.asp
How to properly condition a horse for endurance, and how to know when your horse is "ready" for competition.
www.aerc.org/AERC_Rider_Handbook110303.asp
A HREF="http://www.aerc.org/ENAug06ED.asp">www.aerc.org/ENAug06Ed.asp
The latest information on shoeing techniques and philosophy (barefoot vs. iron vs. plastic shoes).
www.aerc.org/Web_Links.asp
www.hoofcare.com/related_links.asp
Heart rate monitors and GPS: how to use and take advantage of them.
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?cmd=Retrieve&db=PubMed&list_uids=16124700&dopt=Abstract
Camp etiquette: generators, radios, saving spaces, excessive noise, dogs, children, etc.
www.aerc.org/ENSept05Ed.asp
How to sit and how my equine is supposed to go safely up and down hills -- what is the best body position for hills?
www.aerc.org/upload/ArtofPacing.pdf
Colic: how to avoid, predict, signs of, and what to do, etc.
www.edpsciences.org/articles/vetres/pdf/2002/06/01.pdf?access=ok
www.aerc.org/ENMar06Vet.asp
www.aerc.org/ENApr06Vet.asp
Galloping: Is this really a good training practice? Is it worth it?
www.aerc.org/upload/ArtofPacing.pdf
Riding at night.
www.equisearch.com/horses_riding_training/trail/
eqnightrid637/index.html (watch EN for an article on this subject!)
How to protect yourself when out all alone on the trail.
www.selfprotectionconsultancy.com.au/SelfDefence.html
What kind of clothes work best?
Check out EN advertisers who offer riding clothes designed especially for the distance rider.
What to always carry with me on my saddle. How to be prepared and able to solve problems that might come up in the course of a ride.
http://members.tripod.com/ridephotos/crewbag/bag1.html
How to properly cool down my horse at a vet check.
www.egr.msu.edu/age/aenewsletter/1_may_june_02/person.htm
www.thehorse.com/viewarticle.aspx?ID=897
Trailer driving techniques.
www.equispirit.com/info/articles/drivingtrailer.htm
How to look for signs of stress before causing distress.
www.aerc.org/Ed_PreventingTreatment.asp
www.aerc.org/upload/PreventDehyd.pdf
