Leading up to the race weekend, we undertook a final dress rehearsal to ensure we were fully prepared for the big day’s momentum and the challenges it might bring. Our preparations included assembling at the scenic Big Eau Plaine County Park, undergoing check-ins, vetting procedures, trotting out, and embarking on our initial loop.

Upon returning to the trailhead, we completed check-ins, conducted necessary pulse assessments, untacked our horses, and participated in a mock vet check and trot out. This mid-way point also marked the determination of our ‘out time,’ which signifies when we’re eligible to embark on the second loop.

During our final trailhead check-in, we pulsed down, untacked, and completed our last vet check. A notable activity of the day was introducing our horses to a horse and cart. Interestingly, none of our horses exhibited any apprehension towards the cart, whether it was stationary or moving around the parking area in various directions.

Understanding horse-cart interactions is crucial during races, where encounters with carts are possible. It’s valuable to discern whether it’s safe to remain mounted or if dismounting is advisable. Surprisingly, many horses will trail a cart, though direct head-on or passing interactions can be unnerving for them.

Race Weekend and Event Overview

Thursday

The Louise Reidel Memorial Endurance Race weekend spanned Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Arriving on Thursday, we provided our horses time to acclimate to the surroundings and established our camp. Opting to arrive ahead of our Saturday 25LD ride allowed for a smoother transition into the event.

With our mentor participating on Friday, we attended the initial ride meeting on Thursday evening. These meetings are vital, offering insights into the designated trails and their conditions for the event.

Endurance endeavors often involve volunteering. Sandy and I were designated as scribes for the vets on Friday, an unfamiliar task. Scheduled to begin at 8 am, we wrapped up the day’s activities and rested in our camp for the evening.

Friday – Volunteering

Friday morning commenced with our preparedness for the day’s events. At 8 am, we reported for our scribe duties. Most riders were already on their initial loops, slated to return starting around 8:30 am. Endurance rides, whether 100, 50, or 25 miles, along with Competitive Trail 25s, typically set out between 6 am and 7 am. The first loop, covering 15 miles, was succeeded by a 12-mile second loop. This total of 27 miles taught me that not all races conform to standard distances, a valuable lesson for the future.

As riders returned, our interaction with the vets became more streamlined. We gained insight into their evaluation criteria, which proved immensely educational. Horse care stands at the core of endurance, with horses expected to be in prime condition to undertake another loop after the ride.

Takeaways and Experiences

If there is one thing that Endurance is all about, it is the care of the horse. Ensuring that they are in excellent shape to continue. As the idea is that when you have completed your ride, that your horse would be able to go out and ride one more loop. Not that they should or that you would even want to afterwards, but a well conditioned and cared for horse throughout the race should still be metabolically able to set out again.

I watched a rider pull her horse due to cramping, which I learned is due to a lack of calcium and potassium. Later, I also saw that horse improve after the correct treatment was applied. I also witnessed a horse come in with one of those magical heart rates of 28bpm after pulsing down. Some of that was the fact that the horse was an Arab but it is also a testament of how that rider cared for her horse.

Once we were done with our scribing duties, we headed back to camp to take the girls out for a short ride. See where their heads were at. I discovered that my horse has a touch of ‘race-brain’ which is something that I suspected she would have and was hoping that this little outing would help with that.

Race Day and Insights

Race day brought both anticipation and challenges. The early wake-up call of 4:30 am was marked by restless sleep due to nerves and discomfort. However, we were ready for our 6:45 am ride start time. After tending to the horses and ourselves, we set out with our essentials prepared in the crew area.

Tack preparation, stowing water bottles, and readying for departure were the next steps. Our crew area was meticulously arranged the previous night, complete with mash, hay, electrolytes, water buckets, and shower supplies.

The First Loop: Energetic Beginnings

Our preparations complete, we eagerly mounted up and headed towards the starting timer, ready to embark on our ride. Anticipating a more spirited ride than usual, we were met with just that. Although we managed a calm exit from the campground, the moment the trail beckoned, we succumbed to an exhilarating pace. This speed, though exhilarating, proved difficult to moderate, even as I recognized its unsustainability.

For the initial 6 miles, we maintained this swift tempo, punctuated only by intermittent walking periods. These bursts of speed exhausted Gracie quicker than I deemed prudent. Faced with a choice, I had to decide between resisting my horse’s energy and depleting our resources, or persuading her to decelerate and find a state of calm.

Strategic Decisions: Managing the Ride

Upon completing the first 15-mile loop, our priority was to return pulsed down. Given the challenge of sustaining a steady walk, we chose to dismount and loosen our girths, opting to hand walk the final portion. Although our timing was slightly off, causing us to walk closer to 3 miles, we reached camp to check in.

At our crew area, we untacked and readied ourselves for the pulse check and vet examination. Cooling off our horses, washing them down, and allowing them to consume their mash provided a brief respite. The humans, however, found no rest during this brief interval – it was the swiftest 10 minutes ever experienced.

Following our successful vet check, a 50-minute countdown commenced, with our out time set for 10:30. We returned to the trailer, briefly resting for what felt like a mere 30 seconds before resuming preparations for the second 12-mile loop.

The Second Loop: A More Relaxed Ride

Heading towards the gate for the second loop, our horses displayed less exuberance, hinting at a touch of incredulity towards our endeavor. However, obediently they set forth, albeit at a significantly gentler pace. As we warmed up, we gradually increased our pace, aiming to meet the 12:45pm deadline, which marked the end of the 6-hour endurance ride. Commencing at 6:45am, our goal was to return by 12:45pm.

In this slower-paced loop, we managed to encourage our horses to eat and drink along the trail. Pausing at watering tanks, we allowed our equine companions to cool down and refreshed their faces. During one stretch, a stirrup leather unexpectedly snapped, causing my stirrup iron to drop. Fortunately, I adeptly repositioned it on different holes, allowing me to complete the final 6 miles.

Finding Comfort in Some Lessons Learned

As time ticked away, it became apparent that reaching camp by 12:45pm was unlikely. While we could have pushed our horses to the brink, we chose a more compassionate approach. Opting to ensure their well-being and arriving slightly behind schedule, we embraced this as a valuable learning opportunity.

Once we decided to focus on our own ride, letting go of time pressure, a sense of relief washed over us. As we returned, our horses cooled down and their pulses settled, we acknowledged that we might not have secured a completion, but we had successfully completed the ride. At the crew area, additional crew members provided support, guiding us through the final vet check and offering a comprehensive view of our ride.

The last vet check proved successful, underscoring our diligent care of the horses, despite our delayed arrival.

Valuable Insights from Endurance Riding: Lessons Learned

From this one experience I took away so much I hope I don’t forget anything.

Ride Your Own Ride

Understanding the significance of this phrase truly dawned on me when our group intermingled with another. The dynamics of riding alongside others can be unexpectedly challenging, affecting both you and your horse. Personally, I grew to prefer a more solitary ride.

Midway Moments: Faster Than Time

Amid the race, the midway point materializes as a whirlwind of minutes. Under normal circumstances, it might feel like ample time, but on race day, it rushes by like a fleeting breeze.

Prepare for the Unexpected: Extra Leathers

A simple yet vital lesson: always carry an additional set of leathers. Tack malfunctions can occur without warning. I was fortunate that my leathers held up after adjustment, allowing me to ride back safely.

Practice Makes Perfect: Conditioning Rides

Enhance your horse’s adaptability by practicing double or even triple loops on conditioning rides. They do not need to be long loops. Returning, untacking, resting, then venturing out again conditions your horse for the unpredictability of subsequent loops.

Mastery of Gaits: Speed and Control

Achieve mastery over your horse’s speed and gait duration. This doesn’t imply constant restraint; rather, it means maintaining precise control over the requested pace. Such mastery proves invaluable, especially on the high-speed initial loop.

Prioritize Metabolic Care

Understanding the nuances of metabolic care is crucial. Ignorance led to cramping issues with my horse, Gracie, hours after we concluded our ride. Learning about calcium’s role came a bit late but will influence future preparations.

Navigating Variable Distances

Be aware of distance variability in races. For instance, a 25LD race spanning 27 miles demands a slightly higher average speed. Monitoring speed and time with a helpful app ensures a steady pace.

The Power of Volunteering

Volunteering at rides isn’t just about lending a hand; it’s about gaining invaluable insights. The friendships formed and knowledge gained from these experiences are indispensable. The endurance community’s willingness to assist newcomers is commendable.

Guidance from a Mentor

Seek mentorship for personalized guidance. A good mentor provides not only information but also encourages independent research. Avoid information overload from online groups by focusing on mentor-led learning. I found mine at the Fox Valley Distance Equestrian Team

Preparation and Care: The Ride Takes Care of Itself

Thorough preparation ensures a smoother ride experience. When you’ve prepared well, the ride itself becomes more manageable, allowing you to concentrate on the journey.

Success Beyond Breed: Best Condition Award

Triumph in endurance riding doesn’t hinge on having an Arabian horse. The coveted Best Condition award centers on diligent horse care and meticulous preparation, regardless of breed.

Balancing Fitness: Rider and Horse

Acknowledge the importance of rider fitness alongside horse fitness. Horses naturally maintain fitness better, but humans must consistently exercise. Walking or exercising with your horse not only improves fitness but also nurtures a unique bond.

Solo Riding Mastery

While riding with companions is delightful, it may not optimize performance on race day unless horses are well-matched. Developing solo riding skills is paramount. Mastering confident, independent riding at any speed is vital for event success.

Harnessing Solo Riding Skills

Learning to ride alone is a significant endeavor. Despite the appeal of group rides, mastering solo riding is crucial. This is an endeavor Gracie and I are embarking on, honing our skills and independence for the trail.

Seizing Ride Meeting Insights

Attending the pre-ride meeting is invaluable. It offers essential information that will prove beneficial during your ride, contributing to a well-informed and successful experience.

I’ve been told that as you put on more miles even the most mild mannered horses will spook and you’re going to fall off. I have to admit in the miles that I have done on my most recent horses were relatively fall free. Needless to say it has been a few years since I have taken a dumper.

Yep, as all things with horses, it isn’t a matter of “if” but a matter of “when” your next fall is coming. Mine has arrived. I wonder if it might have been better if I had been bucked off? I know how to duck, tuck, and roll with those, so much better.

The Spook

What I received was a gigantic spook as we were trotting. From out of absolutely no where a “horse-eating” bench sat quietly as we passed. Gracie caught the stationary bench out of the corner of her eye. Now all I remember was hitting the ground. I was told by my two companions behind me that she jumped sideways, I did not.

I apparently hung in the air for a spit-second before unceremoniously hitting the ground on my side. My reins gripped tightly in my hand as the fall was so short that I didn’t have time to let go. Not that it mattered, the reins broke at the slobber straps and Gracie was free.

My two friends were behind me, one grabbed Gracie up while the other made a quick assessment of my faculties asking me questions. I laid there a minute and contemplated life. Since it didn’t even have time to flash before my eyes.

We’re All Good…

No, I was not severely injured. Yes, Gracie is no worse for wear, I can’t say as much about the slobber straps though. Yes, I got up, took control of my horse. I walked over to the trailer to get the spare set of reins, so I could get back on. Walked over to the mounting block, she stood like stone for me. Got back on, we did a lap around the parking lot.

Now that I am home, adrenaline all wore off, ice packs wrapped around by my lower back and obliques, I am wondering if my chiropractor will be able to see me right away in the morning. No, I am not deterred by this. Falling is part of riding, I just wish that it had been on the sand trail rather than the gravel parking lot!

More Miles to Go!

Wear a helmet. I used to not wear one much at all on my mild mannered horses. Gracie is new to me and is pretty spunky and agile horse. I get bolder as I put on more safety gear, which is a good thing and sometimes the results are less than ideal. To be honest, I wouldn’t change a thing.

When conditioning your horse, it’s important to understand that you won’t maintain the same pace as you would in a race. We recently embarked on a conditioning ride, averaging around 4 miles per hour. This exercise was designed to give us a feel for setting a pace during longer trail rides.

Establishing a suitable pace is crucial for planning rest periods for both you and your horse. It involves gauging the distance you need to cover within a specific timeframe without overexerting your equine companion.

During our training session, my mentor emphasized that this exercise was more for us riders than our horses. Horses are exceptional athletes and quickly reach and maintain fitness levels far surpassing humans.

On a typical trail ride, the average speed hovers around 3 mph, with some faster walkers slightly exceeding this pace. However, certain factors like terrain and individual horse capabilities can influence the speed. In endurance races, the average speed ranges from 4 to 5 mph, which may not sound incredibly fast, but it’s faster than most horses’ walking speed. While we don’t train at that pace, we attempted to maintain an average of 4-5 mph over a 7.5-mile trail, and we succeeded.

From this experience, I realized that it was quite a rigorous pace. Comparing it to a similar ride I did in 2019 when I was in poor shape and heavier, I recovered much faster this time around.

Gracie, my horse, has short legs but a sturdy build like a tank. Riding a horse with shorter legs during a demanding day like that was quite an experience. On the other hand, my trail partner Sandy owns a 15.3 hand Paint horse with longer legs. According to her app, she had 128 transitions throughout the ride. However, riding Gracie, I had over 330 transitions, mostly between walk and trot. Believe me, transitions can be incredibly tiring!

Conditioning your horse requires finding the right pace, understanding their capabilities, and adapting to the demands of the trail. It’s a challenging but rewarding journey!

I’ve pondered the question of my riding prowess: how fit am I, really? Regrettably, I must admit that I fall into the realm of average. At the ripe age of 50, I can no longer claim the agility of my high school days. Those memories have become distant echoes.

However, I don’t lead a sedentary life either. With eight horses under my care, most of them elderly, requiring special diets and attention. I find myself actively engaged rather than confined to a desk for ten hours a day, like in my previous IT career. Though I must confess, those years behind the desk have left me slightly softened.

During my recent weekend training rides, we covered quite a distance and trotted at a steady “working trot” pace, necessitating the use of posting. I believed this would be an excellent opportunity to improve my fitness level, provided I executed it correctly.

Focused on form and function, I dedicated myself to maintaining a proper posture, posting from the thighs up and striving for a straight alignment. At the time, it felt effortless, aided by the muscle memory that guided my every move. The ride left me fatigued but fulfilled, satisfied with my performance throughout the evening.

Come Monday morning, I rose with a touch of stiffness—a familiar consequence of a vigorous ride the day before. Typically, the discomfort would diminish as I moved about, fading into a mere memory. Yet, this time, it didn’t quite follow the usual script. As the day wore on and evening approached, the aches revisited me. Determined to overcome the discomfort, I sought solace in sleep.

Tuesday morning arrived early, even though I overslept. As I peeled myself out of bed, I couldn’t help but wonder if a truck had collided with me overnight. The previous day’s aches and pains had transformed into a more genuine soreness. A reminder that my muscles, unaccustomed to such exertion, were now voicing their protest. It was as though they were dialing their union representatives, complaining about the unfair treatment they endured during what they expected to be a leisurely ride.

By the afternoon, I had grown accustomed to the sensation of having been roughed up by my noble steed, despite knowing full well that there was no ill will on their part.

Finally, on the third day, a semblance of normalcy graced my being. Time to do it all again!

Conditioning – Just Riding?

You would think that it is just about riding your horse and getting them and you fit enough to complete the ride. But there is so much more such as, finishing the designated miles in the designated time limits, with excellent metabolic recovery rates.

I am no expert, I am a trail rider, while good prep for endurance, especially if you ride regularly, more than just the weekends. Although if that is when you can get out for the longest rides, then that is when you can. Those conditioning times during the week could be anything. Such as jogging with your horse, going on long walks together or an hour of arena work.

Hydration!

I have never been as concerned about a horse drinking as I am now. So, I have been learning more about the horse’s pitfalls when it comes to water consumption.

I recently learned that a horse’s thirst triggers are fairly weak, significantly weaker than a human’s. This is an issue because a horse will be working, sweating and losing their hydration. They need to drink on the trail and ideally every time they are offered a drink.

Some horses, like my retired trail horse, Dixie, would take a drink every time it was offered. Unless the ride was so short that she didn’t break a sweat. On the trail, back at the trailer, she was what I thought was a good drinker. So while Dixie, would readily drink whenever offered, my new horse, Gracie, doesn’t seem inclined to accept water when she should be thirsty, even though I’m thirsty myself.

Electrolytes

To entice our horses to drink, we need to provide free-choice salt and minerals at all times. Additionally, during exercise, adding electrolytes can help trigger their thirst response. I’m still learning about electrolytes and their optimal use. So I won’t delve further into the topic to avoid providing inexperienced information.

Snacking on the Trail

I was taught to never let your horse eat while riding. Although I was never a hard and fast keeper to this rule as I got older. Now I am told that while we don’t want our horses randomly stopping to snack on the trail. It is necessary to have your horse eat while you are out there to help keep their gastrointestinal tract operating optimally, even while under heavy work.

How Many Miles?

I always thought that an endurance rider and their horse would need to put on a lot of miles to prepare for a 25 or even 50 mile Endurance ride. This is completely untrue! What I am learning is that it is the quality of the miles as well as the number of them. The quality is far more important than the volume. So during the week when I can, I can take Gracie for a ride around the 4 mile block once or twice. Then take in a 5-7 mile ride a couple of times over the weekend.

When it comes to conditioning a horse they can get into condition and stay in a fit condition far easier than we can. So these short quality rides help build a well conditioned horse that will be able to do a 25 LD (Limited Distance) Endurance ride. Then could do it all again the next day without skipping a beat if it were asked. Which is what my mentor says is an indicator that you have done a good job in preparing your horse.

Gracie’s Progress

In a little over a month Gracie will have been here a year. When she arrived she was obese and was recovering from a very large abscess. So as you can imagine her feet in the front needed some intervention. We gave her the time she needed, put her on a strict diet that I thought for sure would make her hate me. Then we waited and the pounds began to shed off of her. Then I started working with her on the ground, hand walking and showing her the neighborhood.

I was able to start riding her a bit towards the end of the season when her feet were on the mend. Since then I have been waiting for this riding season to get underway. So I can see what kind of horse I have ended up with.

Each time I take her out I realize more and more how lucky I was to have this little mare come into my life.

She started out refusing to load in a trailer, now she is almost loading herself. Next, the deadly fear of cows!!!

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