To spend hour after hour on the back of a horse is a dream come true for many riders. To ride for miles – 25, 50, or even 100 – on a fit horse, is an extremely satisfying experience, whether done in competition or just for pleasure. This thrill does not come easily however; it requires immense dedication from the rider and a lot of hard work from the horse.
No other equestrian sports demand such a continuous training effort as do endurance and competitive distance riding. To reach the highest level of the sports – competing in a 100-mile ride – requires years of careful conditioning. Even a 25-mile ride demands close attention to every nuance of a horse’s being – during the many miles of work beforehand and during the competition itself. It is the horse’s welfare that must come above all else.
In Go the Distance: The Complete Resource For Endurance Horses, Dr. Nancy Loving, a veterinarian who regularly judges and competes in endurance riding, demonstrates throughout that “success is in the details.” She clearly explains everything a rider needs to know, from selecting a horse and investing in equipment to evaluating fitness and nutrition.
Chapters include:
Athletics Foot Care
Intelligent Nutrition
Conditioning Principles and Training Philosophy
Methods of Evaluating Fitness
Conditioning for Specific Terrain and Climatic Factors
Cooling Strategies During Training and Competition
Evaluation of Metabolic Health and Soundness
If you are an experienced long distance rider, Go the Distance is essential reading to improve your training and competitive skills. If you are thinking of trying endurance of competitive distance riding, this book will clearly and safely guide you and your horse along the miles.
Paperback.