Conference noted::equitation

    I have a coming 4 year-old arab that I would like to do some
    competitive trail riding with.  Keeping in mind that his
    bone structure has not fully matured, how does one carefully
    introduce the young horse's physical structure, and mental
    structure to the eventual rigors of competitive riding?
    
    Also, because I work full time, this does not really leave
    gads of extra time during the week to ride. How does one fit training
    into there schedule?  Should I be
    concentrating more on just slowly developing his mind, attitude
    and physical body with what I can accomplish in the ring,
    week-end rides, and not really expect him to be the best he
    can be for another year.  
    
    I am striving to encourage his competitive attitude,
    intellegence and athletic apptitude to work with me, and for him
    to continue to enjoy what he does.
    
    Thanks for any info!     Stephanie

    A friend of mine is very much involved in competitive trail with
    Arabs.  Her name is Judy Lorimer, 83 Groton Street, East Pepperell,
    MA  01437  617-433-2384.
    She is difficult to get hold of on the phone as she works all day.
    However, keep trying late into the evening.  It will be worth your
    while.
    
    Good luck
    

    <Good thinking!>
    
    I know Judy from my days at the Pedlar, I will certainly give
    her a call.  
    
    stephanie 

    	Hi Stephanie,
    
    	I do distance riding... and know Judy  - she is a super person
    	and could really help you out.
    
    	For a twenty mile ride I usually take about 8 weeks to get ready.
    	I ride at LEAST 5 days a week for at LEAST 5-10 miles a day.
     	This is after I have been riding him for awhile... I build up
    	the miles gradually and speed.  The MAX that I may ride during
    	the week will ususally be 35-40 miles unless I have a ride on
    	the weekend.
    
    	I have always found this to be handy...
    
    	week 1:     3-5 mile at a brisk walk
    
    	week 2:     5 miles introducing the trot (I don't trot for more
    	            than 1/2 mile at first)
    
    	week 3:     5 miles per day with one 10 mile day (more trotting
    		    maybe 1 mile then 1 mile walking depends on horse)
    
    	week 4:     5 miles perday with one 10 mile day (in 2 hours
    		    introduce canter 1/2 mile)
    
    	week 5:     5 miles per day with one 15 mile day (in 2.5 hours)
                    (Alternate walk, trot and canter)
    	week 6:     5 miles per day with one 20 mile day
    
    	week 7:     5 miles per day with one 20 mile day (in 3 hours)
    
    	week 8:     5 miles per day
    
    	                 DAY OFF BEFORE AND DAY OFF AFTER THE RIDE.
                                               
    
    	Now, if I am to be doing a 100 miler or more I will give him
    	sometimes as much as 5 days off BEFORE the ride and 3 days
    	AFTER.
    
    	My opinion (for what it is worth) you don't seem to have the
    	time to spend to condition enough and he is still young.  I
    	would suggest that you get to know each other and spend what	
    	time you can out on the trails getting used to the sights,
    	sounds and terrain...
    
    	It is good to expose your cridder to different conditions.. 
    	bridges, traffic, kids, doys, chickens, going out in LARGE
    	groups, goats, cows, muddy areas, hills, rocky areas gates and I 
    	am sure I could go on...  So, there are STILL lots of things
    	to expose him to in the meantime - it will pay off in the 
    	long run!
    
    	I have never been sorry about the way I condition and it is	
    	**JOY** to be on your cridder and have just finished a long
    	ride and KNOW he could DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN and not bat an
    	eye!
                    
    
    	Susan

                             
    	Yes, it is TACKY to reply to your own note - but I wanted to
    
    	also add this...
    
    
    	Days off before and after the ride - my horses are never locked
    	in the stall - they both have free access.  I feel this is
    	important especially if there has been a tough ride - he walks
    	out his own kinks and I have never had any leg trouble with
    	this nag except for when he jumped up and landed on a stump
    	thus creating a good-sized goose egg of a lump on his fetlock
    	and all because I took my other to the front of the house to
    	get his feet trimmed! 

    Hi Linda,
    
    I also rode my standardbred as a competative trail horse and she
    loved it.  I always placed with her on the competative rides, though
    never on the judged pleasure, she was a little hotter than the
    judges liked.  One time I was on a ride in Barre during the summer
    and we got to the halfway point where they did pulse and respiration.
    My mare had a pulse of 44 and a respiration of 10 or 12, the lowest
    on the ride.  I think they thought she was going to keel over!  Good
    luck, its really a lot of fun!!

   Here is the info for ECTRA (Eastern Competitive Trail Ride Assoc)
   membership:

   ECTRA Membership
   Marilyn Miles
   Box 76 
   Clarksville, NY 12041

   $15 Individual
   $25 Family

   $7 per horse to register for year-end awards
   

    
    Linda,
    
    I have never done a competitive trail ride, but it
    does sound like alot of fun.  Where are your located
    in NH?  I am on the border of MA & NH in Haverhill.
    We have a beautiful park with wide trails to ride on 
    directly behind our barn.  If you would like to come on
    down and join me for a ride, give me a call at DTN 275-
    3570, or send mail to PENUTS::MADAVIS.  I'd like to learn
    more about the sport of trail riding.

    
    How would someone get started with "competitive trail riding"?
    Who would I contact, etc.?  This would be in the southern
    NH area.    Also, does the age of the horse matter?
    
    thanks...
         Jane...

    Contact Judy Lorimer in Pepperell, MA. She's been very active in
    competitive trail riding, does talks and presentations on it, and
    writes articles for the Pedlar on what's happening in the area
    w/r/t competitive trail riding.

    She is listed in the phone book, and you'll find that she's a
    delightful person - very friendly and interested in the sport in
    general and in the horses' health in particular.

    -julie

    If you are in NH, NHH&TA sponsors a multitude of non-competetive
    pleasure trail rides all summer, and there are 3 competetive rides this
    year as well. The pleasure rides are generally 20 miles, and the comp.
    are all 25 milers. I do several pleasure rides a year and have done a
    couple competetive ones in the past (and oddly enough placed 5th each
    time!), I live in Weare NH and most are fairly central to me. The next
    one is June 20, in Pembroke, NH. NHH&TA also allows you to accumulate
    mileage for awards at 250, 500, etc miles via the pleasure rides, you
    can also get 50 and 75 and 100% participation awards as well. 
    
    The age of the horse doesn't matter much, the condition does. Most
    horses in reasonably fit condition (be it from ring work or whatever)
    can do 20 miles without problems, beyond that they need to be *very*
    fit. I ride probably approx. 50 miles a week on trails around home and
    do ringwork as well, my mare is in excellent condition at age 17. 
    
    I enjoy it, and have all but given up the hunter showing I used to do
    frequently (one or two shows a year satisfies me fine now), I find 
    distance riding much more relaxing, and I really enjoy the bond formed
    between horse and rider from spending so much time together, you really
    get to know your horse when you spend hours on end alone in the woods
    with them. :-) 
    

    
    I would like to compete in an 25mi long distance ride this year.  I
    understand this is one once a year in Groton, MA.  I really want to
    go, but I have never been able to find out about it - when it is
    etc...
    
    One year I did get info on endurance riding, but it all takes place
    so far away from me - that is why the Groton ride really appeals to
    me - or any other 25mi ride in radious of Berlin,Hudson.
    
    Louisa

    There is usually a ride in Groton on Labor day weekend.  They
    are run at Gail Greenlaw's house, you could give her a call
    for the schedule.
    
    Linda

    
    Is there a 25mi ride coming up soon in the Mass area?  I really want to
    do a 25mi this year, but they are all so far away.
    
    Louisa

    
    well I am doing my 1st Judge Competitve trail ride on 6/22 in Groton,
    MA, I am very excited.  I have wanted to do a competitive or endruance
    ride for 7yrs, but I got into other things (dressage).  The Dressage
    has really helped Sultan (10yr old Arab) he really knows how to use his
    whole body now.  
    
    I really don't think he could of done this type of ride before his
    dressage training.  He just didn't use his body, he would run around
    with his head up and put strain on his back.
    
    He is such a better horse now, it's weird that all the dressage
    training would help in the endurance - but it has.  I can't wait until
    the 22nd!
    
    I wanted to ask you what kind of Saddle do you other endurance riders
    like to ride in?  What brand etc?
    
    For this ride, I will use my close contact saddle, it's light but not
    all that comfy.  If all goes well on the 22nd I would like to buy a new
    saddle - but I want to hear which ones you would suggust to try.
    
    Lou

    I do a lot of distance riding, about (between conditioning around
    home and organized rides) 45 - 60 miles a week.  I've seen a pretty
    wide variety of saddles used, but most of the 'regulars' end up with
    synthetics.  I have a Wintec endurance (called the Trailbazer) that
    I've been using for the past 4 years now.  It has held up beautifully
    and is incredibly comfortable.  I also have a collection of other
    saddles, from westerns to leather all purposes and close contacts; none
    of which compare to the Wintec for comfort and ease of care.  The
    'endurance' style is designed to spread the riders' weight over a wider
    area of the horses' back, helping to prevent pressure points, in
    addition to having a whole bevy of hooks everywhere to hang your
    gear on.  The flaps are longer and straighter than an all purpose, but
    not as extreme as a dressage and the seat is nice and deep.   
    
    One reason trail riders like the synthetics is the weight ... depending 
    on the style, they weigh as little as 6 - 7 lbs. The other reason is the 
    material used; they are unaffected by rain, stream water, mud, etc.  I
    ride a lot, and I'm not interested in sitting down every few days with
    saddle soap, etc that using a leather saddle under such conditions
    would require.  When I get home from a ride, I wash my
    bridle/breastplate (which are both biothane), saddle, and trailer ...
    all out of the same bucket. Soap 'em up, hose 'em off! :-)
        

    
    thanks for the info.  I was thinking of a synthetic saddle, but I have
    heard that they are not very flexable and if you have a hard to fit
    horse or a horse that changes his body shape alot, then this would not
    be a good saddle for him.
    
    Sultan is very hard to fit.  He is *very* narrow up front and wide
    in the back - at least leather wool stuffed saddles I can have taken
    apart and made to fit him correctly.
    
    But, maybe I'll borrow one and have the saddle fitter come by and check
    it for me.
    
    My saddle fitter loves my close contact on him, he says close contacts
    are one of the best saddle due to them being very flexable - but it
    just is not that comfy - I have been ridding in my dressage saddle for
    yrs now and that is like sitting on a couch!  So it's real hard to go 
    from a couch to a bar stool :-)
    
    Lou

    Hi Lou,
    
    I've never heard that about synthetics being any harder to fit than
    leathers. Actually, I've heard kind of the opposite; that the (some form 
    of heavy duty plastic) trees are quite flexible and will, in time, form 
    themselves to the horses' back and the riders' bottom. They say it's 
    not a good idea to buy a used one for that very reason, and I could see how 
    it could be a problem for a horse who's body shape changes a lot .. once 
    broken in, it would likely stay that shape ... but then, so would any
    other saddle. The only negative I've heard is that the trees will 
    ultimately break down completely and you end up needing to replace 
    the whole saddle; I haven't seen this happen to anyone I know (yet). Check 
    with your saddler, though ... I'm wouldn't want to say either way for 
    sure.  Mine fits beautifully on the mare it was broken in on, and seems 
    to be fine on my new mare as well, although I haven't ridden her a 
    heck of a lot (yet, she's very green).  
    
    On the other hand, they're dirt cheap compared to a good quality
    leather.  I paid $200.00, brand new, 4 years ago.  Rather than going
    through the expenses of buying and restuffing leather saddles, you just
    toss them out and buy a new one. :-)
    
    I wouldn't want to go very far in my close contact at all... that flat,
    thin seat would get mighty uncomfortable and offer next to no support
    on hills and over rough terrain.  I have seen a few people use dressage
    styles (both leather and synthetic), they're comfy but dont' offer all
    the hooks, etc and don't distribute the riders weight as evenly as an
    endurance cut.
    
    Now, there are a handful of leather endurance-style saddles available
    that you could have restuffed as needed .... but they are very, very
    expensive and you still have to deal with leather care.  And of course,
    there's always OrthoFlex's, but they must be accompanied by winning
    lottery tickets. :-) 
    
    I do know one woman who is currently riding in an all purpose and
    desperately looking for a wide-tree synthetic, but can't seem to find
    one.  I have no idea how hard she's actually searched, or if they only
    come in regular sizes.    

    
    I will defently look into the synthetic saddle, I like the idea of not
    spending alot of $$$.
    
    I also would like to find a Neoprine(sp) bridle.  They look like
    leather, but they are also a synthetic, almost like a plastic.  I saw
    some at an equine expo and I wouls swear it was black leather, but it
    was neoprine.  The bit also unclipped, it was awsome.  It was $400.00
    but I want it :-)
    
    Lou

 >  I also would like to find a Neoprine(sp) bridle.  They look like
 >   leather, but they are also a synthetic, almost like a plastic.  I saw
   
Louisa,

I think what you're referring to is Biothane.  It comes in various colors
including black and brown.  I think i remember seeing Biothane tack in
my Libertyville catalog. I don't think you want Neoprene. Real neoprine
is somewhat stretchy and hot (think of all those non-leather, non-plastic
splint/hock/galloping boots)  Biothane looks like coated plastic.


Kathy

    I would think it's biothane, too.  There are a variety of mail order
    places to get it.  Running Bear, for one, Stonebroke, for another. None 
    are as expensive as $400.00! It does come in all natures of 
    colors/combinations, and you can get a matte finish that looks very 
    similar to leather.  It's actually nylon, coated in plastic. In the
    better quality ones, all the fittings are brass. Very durable and low 
    maintenance. The bit that unclipped was most likely a halter/bridle 
    combination, aka a trail bridle.  They're very handy. Mine's the black 
    matte finish with a turquoise overlay in the browband, noseband, and 
    part of the reins (get 'roping' style reins, they have snaps at the 
    bit ends that are make them easy to remove and use as a lead rope!). I
    also have a matching breastplate.  Stonebroke custom-made both my
    bridle and breastplate to my size and color specifications; the bridle 
    was approx $140.00 (including the reins) and the breastplate about $70
    - similar price range to good quality leather, I believe (although it's
    been a long time since I bought a new leather bridle).
    
    I've never seen it in tack shops. I loaned my Stonebroke catalog to a
    friend, so I don't have the number to offer you to call them.  Perhaps
    your local tack shop could help you locate a few catalogs, though?
      

    Wintecs:
    
    I haven't done any enduro riding but I do have a Wintec. I wouldn't
    ride a distance event in it if you paid me! The seat has a very rough
    texture and chafes me anywhere my bod touches the saddle. I only use it
    when it's raining hard and I *don't* post the trot in it because that
    makes the chafing worse.
    
    Biothane bridles:
    
    I had one custom made to fit my horse through a local tack shop. It
    cost about $75. I use it any time it rains. Personally, I wouldn't 
    use biothane *reins* because they're too slippery and they have a
    "dead" feel to them. I can't feel the horse's mouth when I use them.
    Since I'm looking for a fairly fine touch, the feel may not bother
    other people but, if you use biothane reins, I'd recommend coated ones
    so they aren't so slippery.
    
    John

    
    	What about using a sheepskin seat cover? Would that help?
    
    	Is anyone still using the Aussie saddles for endurance? [mine is
    	still for sale, btw...]
    
    	Sherry

    
    yes it must be biothane, I just called Tripple Crown and they don't
    have or know of any catalogs with that kind of bridle,  when and if you
    find the number I'd like to have it.
    
    The only biothane bridles I've seen (besides the one at the trade show)
    are these *horrible* green, yellow and blue shinny plastic.. I'm sorry,
    I just could not put somethink like that on my horse.
    
    They had them in a tack shop in Vermont and I almost gaged.  I also
    asked them "what about reins" none of them had any.  she told me that
    no one likes the plastic reins and that most folks just put on rubber
    reins... is that what you do???
    
    This is why I didn't think it was biothane I wanted, cause these were
    just horrible looking - but if I can get a matt finnish and get it in
    black that I'd be happy.
    
    Lou

    re: John's butt.  :-) ...(sorry John) ... Are you wearing nylon
    breeches?  They are slippery on a synthetic seat, I agree. The seat
    saver thing would be a good idea .... I use "helmet helpers" riding 
    tights, and chaps if it's cool enough out. Traditional breeches are a 
    pain for long periods of time, since they don't have stirrup loops 
    they inevitably ride up my legs, and the seams are in the most 
    unfortuneate of places, even with chaps over them. Yep, I could put 
    boots over them ... but no one sane would do a long distance ride in 
    those tall black traditional leather boots (footwear is commonly riding 
    sneakers or some sort of hiking boot with a heel). The riding tights 
    are predominantly cotton and quite comfortable.
    
    Lou, we do have some folks who get the neon-colored, shiny biothane ... I
    agree, it can be awful looking!  We have one kid (she's about 12) who
    got neon pink. It's hideous. The matte finishes are much nicer,
    though, particularly in the darker colors.
    
    re: reins. My reins are actually (in the catalogs) called 'endurance
    reins'.  They are one piece (no buckle in the middle like hunter reins)
    with brass snaps at the bit ends.  The biothane begins at each bit end
    and extends about a foot back (on mine, the turquoise); from there they 
    are a soft, flexible rubber (black) that's maybe 3 feet.  The very center
    section, about a foot long, returns to the biothane.  The rubber
    sections are 3/4" (I think), the biothane sections slightly narrower. I
    was actually surprised when I received them at how flexible the rubber
    part is; I have an old set of rubber grip reins of the variety
    commmonly seen in eventing (or where they're used) which are stiff and
    difficult to get a good feel with.  The ones I got from Stonebroke are
    remarkably soft and fold right in half easily.  The turquiose sections
    on mine are just overlays; trim laid on top of the black matte for
    decoration.  If you're into purely traditional-looking, it's even less
    expensive to order just the black matte entirely - the colored
    overlays add to the price.
                              

    re: Sherry ... we do see some Aussies out there.  The folks who have
    them seem to like them, but they're nowhere near as common as the
    synthetics ...probably because of the weight and the leather .. and one
    woman I know has one but won't use it because it's so fancily tooled;
    any saddle doing a lot of trail work is going to get scratched up on
    branches, etc.  She's too scared of marking it. :) I've never ridden 
    in one, but I told they're quite comfortable!