Endurance 32km or 40km?

huskydamage

huskydamage

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Newbie endurance question so sorry if it's silly! This is my first venture doing a Novice GER. Still getting used to km instead of miles! I would really like to give the 40km a go, horse has no problem doing 20mile pleasure rides. My question is, is the 40km a big step up from the 32km/20mile or is it a case of if you can do the 32 you can do the 40?
I don't do more miles in a day at home than my longest hack (which is 23 miles), although I did do a group holiday thing recently where we did 3 days of 20-25miles a day and my horse was fine with that. I know she can do it but with the heart rate thing (which is totally new to me) don't want to push her too much. Is 40km asking ALOT more of a horse that is used to 32km?
 
I've found that the terrain rather than the distance makes more of a difference at this level. So, a 32KM ride across the fells in Cumbria for example is likely to be more challenging than a 40KM ride across gently undulating terrain with decent footing.
If your horse is fit (and it does sound like it from what you've said), I don't think you'll have any problems with heart rate as long as you keep to a steady pace, suited to your horse and the terrain.
Enjoy!
 
No hardly any difference between doing 32 or 40km, it's not a big step up, if you're comfortable doing 32km and horse is passing the vet then don't even worry about doing 40km.

For your first one, you could always choose a flat-ish 40km after a hilly 32! Then they'd be equal - as Gunslinger says, the terrain makes a difference. But basically you should have no problem.

Whereabouts are you based? Have loads of fun! Endurance is the best, got my first one of the season on the 11th, can't wait! the winter break is soooo longggg
 
The minimum speed for novice is 8kph that could give you an idea of the slowest time it will take to get around, of course it depends on terrain but it sounds like your horse could do a 40k ride. I have my first ride of the season this weekend!
 
Thanks for the replies. Its quite flat here I'm in east anglia, my local group is Iceni. Will go for the 40km looking forward to it! I have no clue how people get their horses ready for the longer distances though, you must have to do a hell of alot of miles!
 
I go for quality of work rather than quantity, but yes you do have to put some mileage in! I'm off to the Forest of Dean this weekend which is a local-ish ride for me
 
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