Newbie Here

[txsbbtc]

Hello all! First time posting to this site, so lets start with intros. I ride western pleasure and trails. I have Red, 9-year old grade mutt (the running game around the stable is to try to figure out what he is). He is a wonderful trail horse. When I first got him (almost two years ago), we had to do a lot of groundwork and some finishing in the arena as he had only ever been used as a trail horse and needed a refresher in manners and how to listen to the person riding him. He is a fast horse, and loves to run.

Late last summer, I moved from Upstate NY to Michigan UP. I am in a great area for trail riding. About a mile from the stable is the Fumee Lake Natural area with miles of trails (no motorized vehicles allowed). Closer to the stable is a snowmobile trail that goes on for miles. This is completely different from our "trail riding" around the barn in NY. The terrain has more hills (rolling) and is heavily wooded.

My question is: What kind of conditioning should I do to get him into shape for longer trail rides?

It is hard to guage his condition based on the amount he sweats because he sweats buckets whenever he gets excited about something (feeding time, tacking up, nervous about something, new horses/people, etc). So, I can't just look down, see he is sweaty and know that we need to start back. If I did that, we would never leave the barn. He also runs hotter (temperature wise) than most other horses even at rest.

How do you know when your horse is tired? I am not sure I have found the end of his energy to know what to look for and I don't want to push him too hard. Even my previous trainer, who has many years experience with many different horses, had difficulty telling if he was tired.

I like the area where we are and really like the new stable, based on how they care for him, but I am not feeling the love with the other boarders. It feels like I get dismissed because I don't ride english, I don't show, and I am not starting a horse from the ground up. It is a very competitive barn, even amongst the boarders. It doesn't really bother me, except when I have a question and get treated like I am an idiot for needing to ask. So I am asking here.

[Tatesgram]

Welcome to the forum. I'm no expert but we have a lot of knowledgeable people on here that I'm sure can direct you on the right path. I've just started mine to build them back up for trails, just taking it slow.

Maybe Froginablender of HaveFaith with get on here, they ride in some spectacular places. Lots of hills. :)

[WashingtonBay]

Hello and welcome!

I think the best conditioning for trail riding is trail riding! I would just start out reasonably within the limits and go a little further or faster as you gauge he's ready for it.

I would judge his tiredness by his energy and tempo. If he's still dancing at the end, you did not go too far.

My Bay was an endurance horse who would dance and chomp the whole ride when he was younger, and when he's still dancing now, I know he's still feeling good. If you're concerned, then take any opportunity to cool him with cold water from a stream or a short rest, particularly at the top of long climbs if he gets winded. Check him for back or muscle soreness when you get back, and most important, the next morning.

Hope you enjoy our forum! :)

[JackieB]

First of all, welcome! We're so glad you joined us. I live downstate in Michigan.

Secondly, tell those Yoopers to be nice! There is no reason to be impolite. :)

Like WashingtonBay said, I think you can judge conditioning based on energy level. Like Red, my Buster sweats buckets, so that doesn't tell me a lot. I just make sure he's always hydrated. I would just go on trail rides of increasing length over time. A few miles for a week or so, a few more miles, and so on. Before you know it, he'll be comfortable walking all day long.

[Vibe]

Welcome, any pics? =] We love pictures around here.

And I think everyone said everything about your question. Good luck.

[Toodlestoo]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/18.gif This is the best forum ever with a lot of knowledgeable people. Can't wait to see pictures of your guy!

[JennyandJosey]

Welcome! This is a great forum. I think you already got great advice!

[Petra]

Welcome to the forum! I'm sure you'll enjoy it here. :)

[txsbbtc]

Thanks for the advice! For the most part, people here are nice. I think most of it is a difference in philosophy. I was trained to always be in charge with my horse (not abusive, but firm). I'm the boss, head horse, no nonsense. He responds really well to vocal commands (seems to prefer them actually) and knows which tone of voice means he's in trouble and better straighten up and focus.

From what I have seen with some of the other boarders, the horse is in charge. I watched for twenty minutes while they dewormed a mare. She wasn't really acting up, just pulling on the halter a bit. But they let her fuss. Me, I walk up to Red, tell him to stand, and give him the dose. They watched and the comment I got was: "Well, I don't beat my horse". Neither do I, but if I tell him to stand or head down, he knows what that means and he does it (and gets a cookie afterward :p).

So, I think they just don't know where to put me. In some ways I am really experienced, in others I am still a little green.

Here's a picture of my boy when I bought him (2 years ago).

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=763&pictureid=9253&thumb=1 (http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/album.php?albumid=763&pictureid=9253)

[AppyLover]

I am an avid trail rider and I can tell you that miles and more miles are the best way to condition. Now in saying that there is a big difference to putting miles on riding in a straight flat line compared to miles put on in the mountains. Condition him on the trails you want to ride on.

As for knowing if your horse is tired, there are many ways to tell. Breathing, tripping over his feet, stopping a lot with out being cued, floppy ears, carrying their head lower than normal. Just listen to your horse, he'll tell when enough is enough.

By the way, Welcome.

[WashingtonBay]

Chuckling at your description.... Parelli people? Just a theory :)

You keep doing what works. And nod and smile at their advice that doesn't. :p

[outriding01]

Welcome to the forum! I don't trail ride and I live in flat, flat Florida, so I'm no help. But your horse sure is cute!

Chuckling at your description.... Parelli people? Just a theory

Haha, that's what I was thinking. Although from the original description (riding english, showing) I would just say english snobs.... NHers don't actually ride or show ;) That is, until the get Linda's speshul saddle and learn to ride with her speshul potato sack seat.......

[pandorasmom]

Just wanted to welcome you to the forum! This is a great place. ;)

[dame_wolf]

Welcome to the forum! Hope you enjoy it here.

[myhorsebud]

NHers don't actually ride or show ;) That is, until the get Linda's speshul saddle and learn to ride with her speshul potato sack seat......

what does NHers mean????

btw WELCOME!!!!:welcome::clap:

[AppyLover]

NHers don't actually ride or show ;) That is, until the get Linda's speshul saddle and learn to ride with her speshul potato sack seat......

what does NHers mean????

btw WELCOME!!!!:welcome::clap:

(N)atural (H)orsemanship-ers

[3equines]

:cheers:Welcome!!

Regardless of your philosphy or discipline, there are many great folks here (NH'ers, too, but I am not relly one of them).

Personally, I'm a trail rider, I like to ride and pack in the mountains. You've allready had plenty of advice about conditioning your horse. Those Heinz-57 horses make darn good horses for covering long, hard miles on.

And, when those tender-touch folks have a biting, bucking, kicking fit on their hands, maybe THEN you can step in and set things straight! (Or just stand back and gloat!) Just like with children, horses need definate boundaries and lots of love.

[farmers_wife]

Welcome from MN