Endurance... a few Q's (:

Jade&Syrah

Jade&Syrah

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I've got a 14.2 arab mare, rising 18 who i've retired from jumping due to rotated pedal bones.

However I would like to get her to endurance as she loves being busy and she loves hacking and I feel she's wasting as she's not achieved anything (got her as a rising 16 year old, that had been lightly backed as a 5 year old, and field bound for 8 years.) :rolleyes:

A few questions as I have no clue about endurance if i'm being completely honest.

1. Is they any tack requirements? She's in a flash noseband and martingale, are these allowed?

2. How would I get her in to endurance?

3. How do you endurance people get your neddies fit for endurance?

4. Are there many rides around Lancashire area?
 
Can i just ask if your horse is not capable of jumping because of his feet, then endurance is hard work on there feet as well, may be just stick to pleasure rides, where you can take your time they are normaly 12 miles long.
 
ameeyal said:
Can i just ask if your horse is not capable of jumping because of his feet, then endurance is hard work on there feet as well, may be just stick to pleasure rides, where you can take your time they are normaly 12 miles long.
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I didn't want to go far with it, i'm not an endurance person :rolleyes: but I want to give her something to do, she'll go all day on the roads however that one shock from landing on a jump she goes mad. And she's bored not doing anything. :(

Just need the weather and light nights to get her fit and back in to work again. And maybe focus on control if i'm going to start her with endurance :)
 
The lovely thing about endurance is that you can set your own goals. I've got as much out of getting a horse who was a physical wreck up to pleasure ride fitness as I have out of doing ERs on my old boy. Beware, though, it is addictive.

We're from the West Riding Group of EGB, so just on the border from you. Depending on whereabouts in Lancs you are, you might not be too far from some of our rides. Lancs are a nice bunch, though, even if they are on the wrong side of t'pennines....

In answer to your questions:
1) Normal tack is fine.
2) Your local group will run social and training rides which are a good place to start. These are very informal, no vetting, just turn up, ride and have fun. Alternatively you can start with a non-competitive pleasure ride on the national calendar, which are equally as friendly but there will be a trot up in front of a vet before and after the ride. Don't panic about the vetting - the vets are only looking for 'fit to continue', it's not a pre purchase vetting.
3) To do local training/social rides, if I'm just taking it steady then I'm looking to get the horse as fit as I would to do an hour or two's steady hacking round home. It does depend on the ride though - they'll need to be a bit fitter for a hillier ride, or if you're wanting to do a lot of cantering.
4) Lancs website is here: http://www.lancs-egb.org.uk/
These might be useful to you as well, as depending on where you're based one of the neighbours' groups may have more rides local to you:
West Riding (W&S Yorks): http://www.westridingegb.co.uk/
N&E Yorks: http://www.neyorksgroupofegb.com/
Cheshire: http://www.endurancegbcheshire.co.uk/
Cumbria: http://www.endurancegbcumbria.co.uk/

If you've got any concerns about whether the terrain on a particular ride is suitable for your mare, give the organiser a ring.

ps We're running a veteran's ride in Rothwell, Leeds, in April, to celebrate my lad's 25th birthday. Details and an entry form will be on the West Riding website next week, and you'd be more than welcome.
 
Firstly endurance is soooooo much fun Lucy and I used to do it loads :D She was prob about 18 when we started (I rescued her so we're not entirely shore what her age was) She also had rotated pedelbones (due to a very very bad attack of lami :( Although it didn't stop her from anything even jumping :) But then Lucy was one tough cookie ;) :p :D) I will warn you though once you get started in Endurance you'll prob be hooked. I only went as a favour for my friend as she wanted to give it a go and her Arab wouldn't load :rolleyes: But I ended up doing rides of upto and inclu 80km :D

1. Is they any tack requirements? She's in a flash noseband and martingale, are these allowed?
A flash and a martingale will be fine. There arn't many tack requirements (that I know of) Only that the tack must fit well and be in good condition. Also you are only alowed short whips.

2. How would I get her in to endurance?
You start with short pleasure rides usualy of around 12 - 20 km and as her fitness builds you can increase the distance and even try some competetive rides if you wish. But what I love about endurance is there is no presure at all if you enjoy the pleasure rides and want to stick with those that is fine :)

3. How do you endurance people get your neddies fit for endurance?
Lots and lots of hacking with plenty of trotting and hill work :p :D

4. Are there many rides around Lancashire area?
There are rides all over the place so there will be some near you. I live in hampshire but have been to Wiltshire, Dorset, Surry, Glostershire and even Wales to do endurance. It's a great way to have a mini holiday with your horse :D

Hope I have answered afew of your questions. Feel free to ask me anymore PM me if you wish and i'll try to help. As PeterNatt sugested check out the endurance GB website. There is a list of all the groups and you'll be able to find the one local to you and they will also be happy to answer any questions you have and will be more than willing to get you started i'm shore :D
Good luck and hope you and your horse have fun whatever you deside to do. :)
 
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