Yesterday, the lady who owns the stables where I board Max asked me if I would be interested in taking Max to a trail riding competition. The whole idea is to complete a 25 mile trail and you are judged on horsemanship, tack turn-out (i.e. how well maintaned and clean you tack is), and completion.
Unlike endurance, this is not a speed contest and you are judged more on horsemanship than anything else- basically you are called upon to do various tasks such as stepping over a log or backing up. Also, there are several vet check points where the horses' pulse and respiration are checked- if they're too high, the horse is pulled from the event.
Basically, this would provide a great oppotunity to once again get Max out somewhere new and give him some more trailering experience (especially since we're looking at taking him up north in August to Morro Bay). Also, this is an overnight event, so experience will be gained in this area. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and no disasters will occur (the trailer is a big one).
Max seems pretty fit but I'm a bit nervious, especially with the new saddle- I haven't ridden more than a couple of hours in it at any one time so it's a big question mark. So far, there appear to be no issues but you never know. Also, since my normal trail riding partner has been unable to ride due to a knee injury, I haven't been able to do longer distances. Well, there is the vet check points...
The ride itself is called the Californio Ride and it's on the weekend on May 12, 2007 so there isn't a lot of time to get prepared. We'll see how this goes...more later.
Unlike endurance, this is not a speed contest and you are judged more on horsemanship than anything else- basically you are called upon to do various tasks such as stepping over a log or backing up. Also, there are several vet check points where the horses' pulse and respiration are checked- if they're too high, the horse is pulled from the event.
Basically, this would provide a great oppotunity to once again get Max out somewhere new and give him some more trailering experience (especially since we're looking at taking him up north in August to Morro Bay). Also, this is an overnight event, so experience will be gained in this area. Hopefully everything will go smoothly and no disasters will occur (the trailer is a big one).
Max seems pretty fit but I'm a bit nervious, especially with the new saddle- I haven't ridden more than a couple of hours in it at any one time so it's a big question mark. So far, there appear to be no issues but you never know. Also, since my normal trail riding partner has been unable to ride due to a knee injury, I haven't been able to do longer distances. Well, there is the vet check points...
The ride itself is called the Californio Ride and it's on the weekend on May 12, 2007 so there isn't a lot of time to get prepared. We'll see how this goes...more later.
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