Whether trail riding for pleasure, endurance or competitve, all conditioning and training starts at the beginning!

Feeding Management Suggestions -

 l) All rations must contain roughage;  2) Manage horses individually and learn the eating habits of individual horses;  3) If horses must be fed as a group, use individual feeders spread far apart, put out extra feeders and make provisions for timid horses;  4) Feed at regular times and as frequently as possible;  5) Use only top quality feeds, avoid dust and mold, and keep the feed manger clean;  6) Feed by weight, not by volume;  7) Avoid sudden changes in types of feed;  8) Do not overfeed; 9) Exercise horses regularly; 10) Fresh, clean water should be available at all times;  11) Check teeth regularly;  12) Practice parasite control measures;  harrow and rotate pastures; do not feed horses on the ground;  13) Proper feed storage reduces feed waste;  14) Use supplements with caution;  15) Keep an eye on horses and their droppings.  Changes in consistency, color, ordor or composition of feces usually indicates a digestive disorder.

BASIC HEALTH CARE -

Food is energy.  Feed quality grain and hay, allow free choice salt and plenty of clean water.  If your horse is overweight  you might want to consider adjusting his feed intack, and be sure to allow extra time for conditioning.  Your horse's general appearance, coat will tell you if you are doing the right thing.  Vitamins and supplements won't help if your health care program is not adequate.

Worming.  Lack of a proper worming program can cause such problems as poor digestion, colic and anemia resulting in poor performance.  Consult your veterinarian for the proper worming program.

Teeth must be floated regularly.  Check how your horse is chewing his feed.  Loss of weight is often the result of sharp teeth.  Consult your veterinarian.

Vaccinations.  Veterinarians routinely recommend tetanus, encephalitis, influenza, and rhinoneumonitis.  Rabies vaccinations are usually suggested for organized trail rides.

Shoeing.  Work closely with your farrier and don't be afraid to tell him about problems.  Your horse's shoes will wear out before he outgrows them, so check wear.  Plan shoeing schedules, so shoes are new one to two weeks before a ride.

TACK -

Many types and variations are used.  The saddle should be lightweight and comfortable for you and the horse.  Not all saddles fit well.  Always check your horse's back after riding for unwanted dry spots, irritated areas or tenderness.  Breast collars are beneficial for keeping the saddle in place up hills.  It is important that the breast collar be effective, but not restrictive to the breathing or shoulder movement.  The headgear should fit properly and insure that you have control over your horse at all times.  Bring an additional rein, girth, saddle pad, girth cover, leadrope, sheets, blankets, etc. along with you.

RIDER APPAREL -

Above all - be comfortable!  Whatver clothing you condition in is what you should wear at trail rides or competitions - do not make last minute changes at a ride.  If you're uncomfortable it will reflect on your horse.  The following are items recommended for safety and comfort.

• Sunglasses.
• Hat (terry loth type allows for other uses, i.e. washing)
• Watch(2 of them if you are competing)
• Sponges (to be attached either to rider or saddle)
• Extra set of clothes - changing into clean and dry clothes at the end of a ride is certainly a pick-me-up.
• Be prepared for rain.  There are many variations of rain gear used.  Try different kinds during conditioning to see what is more comfortable for you.
• Finally, those important extras - aspirin, salt tablets, bandaids, hand cream, wash cloth and towel, sun tan lotion, toilet paper, deodorent, bug repellent, and whateverelse you or your horse may personally need.

CONDITIONING -

Your Horse...

It takes at least two months to get an average horse into condition for a 25 mile ride.

This is a sample schedule - one hour a day minimum 5 days per week.

• Week one:       Three to five miles, at a brisk walk.
• Week two:        Five miles a day, gradually increasing to a trot.
• Week three:     Five miles a day with one 10 mile day.
• Week four:       Five miles a day with one 10 mile day in 2 hours.
• Week five:        Five miles a day with one 15 mile day in 21/2 hours.
• Week six:         Five miles a day with one 20 mile day.
• Week seven:    Five miles a day with one 20 mile day in three hours.
• Week eight:      Five miles a day.  Day off with light exercise before the ride.

THE RIDE!

This is a suggested conditioning program.  Each horse is an individual and conditioning needs should be determined with this in mind.  And, you as a rider may require conditioning along with your horse.  Rider Conditioning in the May/07 Barrel Blog.   With this in mind, take whatever time you need, but plan ahead and have a safe and enjoyable ride.

Yourself, The Rider...   Continued in June/07 Barrel Blog

Be A Safe Rider by Being Prepared!