Competition trail riding is a popular perennial equestrian discipline. Endurance riding is also part of the FEI world equestrian discipline.
Endurance riding competitions typically range from 25 to 100 miles with events lasting up to five days. In every endurance riding competition, horses are examined by judges and veterinarians to ensure overall health and wellness.
Riders carefully prepare themselves and their horses and ride through this distance. Although the first horse (in each division) to complete an endurance ride can be tagged the winner, most long-distance riders consider any competitor who finishes such a taxing event to be the winner.
How do riders prepare themselves and their horses for long endurance competition? Here are ten training tips for long distance trail riding competition.
Exercise for Endurance Riding: Check the Horse for Strength, Health and Wellness
Choose a solid and strong horse with the best conformation and endurance for long riding. A well-bred horse (perhaps even with a bit of balance to draw) is the best for competition endurance.
A trusted farrier and equine veterinarian are strong allies for the endurance competitor. Participating horses need to be in top form to compete successfully in long distance events. Groomers and veterinarians can recommend nutritional supplements (especially electrolytes) for horses that are ridden in endurance gear.
Training for endurance riding: Conditions the horse gradually for long distance riding
Although many endurance riders advocate a 12-week training regimen for long-distance competition horses, a longer program is ideal. Some riders take up to three events to prepare their horses for long endurance riding events.
To start training seriously, long-distance competitors start regular sessions for about five days (four to six days per a week). By increasing distance and step by step, riders can build up the strength and endurance of their horses for endurance riding.
Eventually, after several weeks, riders and equestrian teams may be ready for longer rides, eventually reaching a goal of about 40 miles per day (for maximum endurance competition riding).
Training for Endurance Riding: The Work of Optimum Fitness for the Rider
Although the horse is able to ride on foot for a long distance, the horseman is also fit and strong for the endurance of combat. Cardiovascular fitness, core strength and overall long-distance fitness are essential for equestrians.
In addition, the horseman must be prepared for endurance, so that he can lead his horse over long distances if the mount has been injured.
A fair number of endurance riders climb the sign as volunteers for a few events long before entry, so they can increase the challenge before participating for the first time.
Training for Endurance Riding: Practice Trail Sitting in Various Places
Horses and riders usually ride long distances over all terrain: hills, across water, across fields, into forests, and perhaps even over busy paths. Horses must be conditioned to take these differences in stride.
In particular, horse competitors need to possess muscle strength, flexibility and energy to climb and descend steep terrain.
Training for Endurance Riding: Teach the horse to overcome obstacles
Imposed obstacles are given with endurance riding events. Horses must be trained ahead of time to handle fallen trees, bridges, water, mud, rocky trails and other unexpected things.
Exercise for riding endurance: read Trail riding in large groups
Riders enjoy riding horses in the arena (both indoor and outdoor) for much of the year. Horses can work obediently and easily in these controlled settings. But the endurance of competitive riding – when their bulk starts – are a lot different.
Horses in long-distance events need to be willing to move forward easily in a group when unfamiliar horses are bumping into them. They follow the Alpha as a team, while the gentler teams lead.
Patience can prepare competitive riders by exercising these variables in group trail rides.
Exercise on Endurance Riding: Master Excerpt Loading and Tying Together
Long distance trail riding competitions can be held in various countries. Necessarily, the competitors will have to drag their horses through six. When he comes, and during all the combat of the troops, it will be necessary for the horsemen to tie their horses, to stakes, bricks, or stakes, or even to tent stakes. Horses can be housed in stables for a period of time or around the stables overnight during multi-day endurance riding events.
Competitors do well to practice all these steps in advance of endurance.
Training for Endurance Riding: Start Timing Horse and Rider on Longer Rides
Once the endurance training is prepared, the equestrian competitors will watch and record their riding times at various intervals. Trail development is an essential part of being a successful endurance rider.
Study riding for endurance: Riding a prescribed course
If possible, riders will want to ride the long distance prescribed for the competition course. But that is often not an option.
Exercise for Riding Endurance: Give Horse and Rider Rest Before Turns
Just as marathon runners usually rest these days before the race, horses usually do. Giving a well-prepared horse and rider a short break before a long-distance event can be the secret to endurance riding competition success.
By taking these ten steps to endurance training, equestrian competitors will find themselves and their horses ready to complete the distance and in good form.
Sources:
http://www.actha.us
http://www.endurance.net
http://www.horseridingfun.com
http://www.natrc.org
Report:
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/2929746/trail_riding_etiquette_20_courtesy.html< /a>< /li>
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/357631/enurance_trail_riding_gear.html< /a>< /li>
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/1932822/horse dragged to death in trailer.ht < /a>
- www.associatedcontent.com/article/357631/enurance_trail_riding_gear.html< /a>< /li>
