Author Topic: horse endurance racing (Read 342 times)

texasmom · « **on:** June 07, 2007, 06:08:29 PM »

Anyone familiar with what it takes for a horse to prepare for an endurance race? what it's like to care for the horse during the race? If you do know, please PM, so I can ask about it in greater detail. thanks.

Red Tail 444 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 07, 2007, 09:54:43 PM »

If you have not done it, don't If you're not a professional rider, don't.

It's safer for the horse and yourself to do some staggered events first, 20 miles, 10 out, 10 in, and practice that way first. There are also significant long-term effects for riders ,cartilage damage to spines etc. It's also a burden to horses not accustomed to these levels of endurance.

texasmom · « **Reply #2 on:** June 07, 2007, 09:56:47 PM »

I'm not interested in doing it myself. Just interested in listening to details about how it's done.

Angus · « **Reply #3 on:** June 08, 2007, 08:55:11 AM »

There used to be a race across the USA, not sure if it was a one-time event, but the one I remember was in 1976. Some 6000 miles I think.
Various breeds competed, Quarter, halfblood, Arabs and even Icelandic horses.
Arabs came in first, Icelanders the second, AFAIK. I know some of the people involved.
Then there was a 100 mile race, where an Icelander won.
Also know a guy who won a 100 mile race in Australia.
The only thing I know, is lots of training, and in any case, NOT starting off too fast. The winner of the 100 mile race in Australia started off gently for instance.
I can search about for you if you like. What distances are you talking about?

eskimo2 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 08, 2007, 11:23:38 AM »

If you have not seen Hidalgo, watch it. It's a great movie about long a distance horse race.

Red Tail 444 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2007, 08:22:13 PM »

Nowadays endurance riding is usually done in intervals. I would do 40 mile rides on a wekend, but it's ten miles out, then ten miles back, camp out then to another 20 on Sunday.

There are longer runs but that's my limit.

Angus · « **Reply #6 on:** June 11, 2007, 06:28:27 AM »

My wife sometimes makes a nice 40km cirkle. You need a somewhat fit horse for that, but nothing extreme.

Red Tail 444 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 11, 2007, 09:14:33 AM »

Yeah, you need a pretty fit (or at least well broke) rider, too. Most horses today are overfed and under worked, and just aren't ready to take that ride. 20 miles is no joke for these pasture ornaments we have these days.

get a good quarterhorse or Belgian/QH mix. Belgians are like riding those old Cadillac's with the sofa seat.

And the QH is athletic and built for "less than perfect" terrain and footing.

hmmm...might be time for another horse!

Angus · « **Reply #8 on:** June 11, 2007, 10:33:09 AM »

In my old riding days, I never rode straight long distances it was always round-up jobs. But that could be pretty fast riding /trot to Gallop) for several hours, so 40K came quickly I guess.
Those old horses back then were quite fit, but I recall one being overused to exhaustion, so he got like a year off.

texasmom · « **Reply #9 on:** June 12, 2007, 11:14:13 AM »

Angus: I definitely will do. Just need to sit long enough to type it out a little more comprehensive than it is now.

Thanks