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gtiorobertsf
Jun. 29, 2009, 11:20 AM
I went on our first long trail ride.
Saturday was the first day that i took my new mare (got her in early part of this year) for a long trail ride.
It started out as a short ride, but decided she was doing well and we continued on. We went over and abandoned railroad bridge. That was the scariest thing i think i and my horse has ever done. Parts of the bridge had open man holes and some of the rails were missing. I didnt know this until we were 3/4 of the way across so was scared s***less.
Then we ventured on and I got completely lost So the short ride turned in about 25 miles trail adventure, through it all she was a great girl. walked over more small bridges with water rushing through. She didnt come unglued when we came upon mom and baby bear. I was more scared then her. I am sharing this story, because at the end of the trail she still had a lot more in her and I got back into horses to do competitive long distance and hopefully endurance.
So my questions are shes around 12 a saddlebred was with the amish before so was use to going long distances pulling a buggy. would she be too old to start thing of her being a endurance prospect? she is an easy keeper. She has some cold spots from being started young, but has been completely sounds since i have had her. I am keeping her barefoot and she is doing well no absesses or tender foot.Also considering her her performance on saturday i was wondering if her energy level had something to do with her being in heat? any suggestions would be great.
Robert

Shadow14
Jun. 29, 2009, 11:51 AM
We use to say that and endurance horse reaches his peak at age 12. My 23 year old guy still did 70 miles in the last week before I retired him to train a new guy.
So no I think your guy at 12 would do great.

sunridge1
Jun. 29, 2009, 06:50 PM
Robert, ASB's have incredible endurance. I only trail ride now and they have amazed me, given their size, how much athleticism is contained in those frames.
Every one I have trail ridden has out distanced and out walked every other trail horse. NOT kidding. None have ever been conditioned for endurance but I have no doubt, since their muscle memory is second to none, they would excel if properly conditioned. Never, ever had one quit on me.

gtiorobertsf
Jun. 30, 2009, 09:07 AM
thanks for the info. i was hoping that it wasnt too old to start training.
I went out a coupleof weeks ago with a walker and she outpaced him by a lot, which i was kinda surprised. Since i thought the moved faster at the walk than saddlebreds.
I am going to buy a trailer at the end of the summer so will be able to take her conditioning more serious. the trails i have access to are good buy fairly flat.
thanks again.
Robert