75 mile radnor brecon loop ride and level of fitness advise

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Daisy2

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My two laid back lazy cobs are coming on holiday with me on a 75 mile loop ride over 4/5 days. I plan to do some fittening work with them before hand to build up their stamina etc but because I am a bit of worrier I am thinking that average 18 miles a day for 4/5 days might be a bit of a shock for them and possible me ha. What do you think and has anyone done this ride or something similar. We are hackers that normally do around 25 miles a week during the summer and less in the other months. We plan to take it easy and all day to make the most of the scenery so nothing hard and fast...if that were possible!. Thoughts please
 
The distance shouldn't be any problem to the horses if you take it steady, however, you should make sure you get in some long rides before hand to get yourselves fit. Also, would be a good idea to get the horses used to being led for a while out on hacks, it gives your legs a break and their backs a chance to rest if you let the girths down a few holes.

ETD, I'm very jealous, and thinking about doing the same route on my mare but all my horsey friends are wimps and won't even ride out for an hour!! Planning for next year though!!
 
Oooh, have never heard of this route, could anyone point me in the direction of where I could find more details please?
 
I've never heard of that one. Looks good.

Daisy2 remember to consider the terrain where you live compared to the terrain on the loop. I live in the Pennines and friends from Nottingham sometimes bring their horses up for a weekend. Their horses are pretty fit but got tired very quickly hacking around here as they were used to pretty flat terrain rather than the steep hills we have around here..
 
Yes thanks for that, we live in the Cotwolds so not really flat but I think the region we are heading out to is pretty mountainous so yes lots hill work.
 
Hi Daisy, I used to live and ride in Radnorshire and use some of that loop. It's wonderful riding, nothing like it in England. However, it is v. up & down with some rough going and lots & lots of gates - a lot of which you will have to get off and open. !8 miles a day is perfectly doable if you leave promptly each morning, but you will need to get your horses hunting fit, used to carrying saddle bags - you will need to carry lunch for yourselves, plus medical kit, map, compass etc. I'd advise a headcollar & rope under the bridle so you can lead easily and also graze them at lunchtime - they will need it. Have them shod a day or two before you go, you don't want to be stuck miles from anywhere with a shoe off and there is little mobile phone coverage in the area. You will have such a great time, I'm envious, enjoy.
 
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