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  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Endurance Ride Websites
    • Free Web Pages for Ride Managers
    • Autumn Sun Pioneer
    • Pine Tree Pioneer
    • Cariboo Gold Rush Express
    • Eagle Canyon Endurance Ride
    • Top O The World Pioneer Ride
    • Idaho IronHorse Challenge
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Weekly Wraps -- 2022, Weeks 5 & 6

2/14/2022

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Oops! Time got away from me. I neglected to post my Week 5 wrap, so I'll drop it in below with Week 6.

I may not have been writing about it, but I've certainly been doing the work. Here's what's up:

Horse Days Are Back

We had sunny, 40-degree weather last week! It's probably a "fool's spring," but I'll take it. Despite a round corral still full of snow, mud, and standing water, I managed to get in several days of working with all three horses. I put a total of 30-ish slow miles on Jammer, plus some solid groundwork (and a brief ride) on Ledger. I also spent quite bit of "gentling" time with Bellalunaa. Even though I rode her several times before the weather turned last fall,
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I feel like she needs some quieter, less challenging attention to ease some underlying anxiety. I've backed off from the usual CA Method progression to really listen to her and give her time to think. I started with simple grooming and have added daily bits of things she already knows: a little bending here, some hoof handling there, some yielding of hindquarters or run-up-and-rub, but nothing too intense or for very long. She seems to respond best when asked quietly, then left alone, rather than being drilled. Interestingly, this is consistent with what a few students of Arabian bloodlines predicted. It also fits nicely with my current lack of facilities, giving us productive, relationship-building time while the ground dries out.

My Running Goal is Set Too Low

...the one about running a 10k at a 9.5 minute mile pace, that is. 

Why do I think it's too low? Because I finished this week's long run of 6.89 miles at a 9:47 pace. And it's only mid-February. 

Don't hold me to this just yet, but I'm thinking of adding a half-marathon completion to my goals list. I have two, main hesitations: Can my feet handle it? and Do I have enough time? Time in the days, that is, for enough training miles. I'm not sure. But I'm pondering.

​Since I'm on the subject, here's my Week 6 wrap:
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It's hard to see without paying careful attention, but I took this week a little on the easy side. For one thing, I had the first-day-of-period blahs on Friday, so I gave myself a pass on the strength workout. I also did more hatha yoga and less of my usual vinyasa. I felt like I needed it to facilitate recovery from my Week 5 long run. See below:​
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​8.66 miles! Okay, yeah, I know. It's not much in the broader running world, but it's farther than I have run in...well, geez...probably since I last training for a half-marathon in my early 20's. So I'm pretty happy about that!

I'm Bored with My Strength Programming

Since about October 2021, I've been using the Ketogains Novice 5x5 Strength Training Program. It was a perfect way to recommit to strength training after a few years of inconsistency. 5x5 programming is an old friend (it's what I started with some 15 years ago), and the minimal time commitment of about 35 minutes, 3 days per week, was attractive.

I definitely made gains. I've put on considerable muscle mass and strength, and only had one setback when my old SI tweak flared up. Adding regular mobility work at the beginning of the year has kept me feeling fantastic.

But, now I'm bored. Being bored of my programming makes me reluctant to train even though I know it's one of the most important things I can do for long-term health. So...time to mix things up!

I'm looking into some MAPS programming from Mind Pump. I've followed these guys for years and concluded that, once you look and listen past their "bruh" exterior, they're actually extremely knowledgable, experienced, and service-minded. They also happen to be having a Valentines Day sale -- 50% off all programs -- that I just learned about by signing up for their emails. Cool. Happy hearts day to me!

I'm Writing, Just Slowly

If anyone is wondering what happened to my thoughts on being an athletic rider, I haven't forgotten about the series. Writing anything useful takes a surprising amount of time, but I'm working on it. I think it's valuable stuff. Stay tuned. 

If you haven't followed The Sweaty Equestrian on Facebook or subscribed by email (use the little form in the right-hand sidebar), today is the day! 
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Fear is a Question

1/22/2022

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It was 1980s human potentialist Marilyn Ferguson who said, "Fear is a question: What are you afraid of and why? Our fears are a treasure house of self-knowledge if we explore them"
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​I don't think the real horseman exists who hasn't been afraid at one time or another.  Author Mary Twelveponies breaks the fear of horses into three, common categories:
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  • Fear born of inexperience,
  • Fear resulting from trauma, and
  • Fear based in respect.

I've felt all three at various times, usually more than once and sometimes for extended periods.
The third ~ respect-based fear ~ is positive; I don't mind keeping it.  As the vaqueros used to say, "A man won't make a good horse until he is afraid to ride."
A man won't make a good horse until he is afraid to ride.
But the others...they must be faced squarely, evaluated, and addressed. Through education. Through creativity. Through graduated exposure. And sometimes, through good, old-fashioned "getting back on the horse."
​
Fear is a question: What are you afraid of and why?
Originally published in The Barb Wire, May 29, 2011
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The Athletic Rider

1/18/2022

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For the first thirty years of my life, I didn't consider myself an athlete.

​I was the kind of kid who preferred books, animals, and blackberry picking to any kind of team sport. I had good parents who made me try all the things: kiddie soccer, basketball, ballet, softball, swimming, track. I liked some better than others, but nothing stuck. By the time I hit high school, I had no interest in trying out for any kind of team.

In undergrad, I became what I'd call an "exerciser." I jogged or went to the gym, maintained a healthy bodyweight, and had no trouble meeting the demands of farm life. I rode horses and rowed rafts and spent a lot of time outdoors. I even completed a half marathon once, but that was mostly about running away.
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By my late twenties, I'd discovered nutrition, strength training, and the "functional fitness" approach to human performance. I started lifting heavy weights. I did pull-ups and hill sprints. Outside the gym, I not only rode and rafted, but also canyoneered, backpacked, paddled, and climbed. I also fell in love with endurance riding, racking up classics, multi-days, and a couple 100's.
For the first time in my life, it dawned on me that I felt like an athlete.

An athlete! Me!

But...was I really? My only official sport was endurance. Try as I might, I couldn't get comfortable with the notion that distance riding, in and of itself, was what made me an athlete. In truth, endurance riding was one of the easiest wilderness challenges (physically speaking) that I was engaged in at the time.

I also noticed that, for whatever reason ~ advancing age, cumulative injuries, chronic illness, family responsibilities ~ a lot of riders made it through distance events on grit and knowledge, despite an absence of noteworthy fitness.

That's not a moral judgment; it's just a fact. And it made me consider: If someone who doesn't especially condition herself can do as well or better than a fit person in the same event, then simple participation in that event does not make me an athlete.
Allow me to clarify: I actually believe fitness and athleticism are distinct from one another. It seems to me that a person can be fit without being an athlete, or be an athlete without (yet or still) being fit.
A person can be fit without being an athlete,
or be an athlete without
(yet or still) being fit.
Back in my "exerciser" days, I was reasonably fit. But I didn't intentionally train to improve my physical stamina and skill to better engage in sport. I wasn't an athlete yet.

On the flip side, one of the athletes I respect most, ultra runner Tommy Rivers Puzey, recently spent months in a hospital bed, enduring a grueling race against a rare cancer. He could scarcely open his eyes, let alone run, but he was an athlete still.

That said, I think it's fair to say that fitness and athleticism do tend to correlate, especially over time. An athlete may not appear fit at a particular moment, but he or she will usually manifest change in that direction as months or years go by.
Distance riding can be about meditation, social connection, exploration, play, or knowledge. It doesn't need to have much to do with fitness at all.
Anyway, so what if riding endurance doesn't make a person an athlete? Not everyone wants to be an athlete.

​There are plenty of other reasons to ride: 
Get out in nature. Bond with your horse. Spend time with friends. Recreate. Improve your horsemanship.
Indeed, this sport is special because it allows non-athletes of all ages to play a thrilling, glorious, risky, challenging game. It is a gift from the horses, really, that most of us cherish and none of us deserve.

​But what if you 
do want to approach riding as an athlete? What does that look like? What does it mean? What would it cost, and what might you gain?
​
We equestrians have a way of getting prickly about the physical demands of our sport. We brag to our officemates about pushing wheelbarrows and hefting oats. I've even heard riders compare posting 25 miles to doing squats for hours at a time. (To that one, I'm just going to say it: If you really believe that, sister, you're either posting wrong or you're squatting wrong, or both.)
The truth is, farm chores notwithstanding, achieving our potential isn't going to come from distance riding alone. The truth is, whether we like it or not, the horse really does do most of the work. Yes, even when we ride fast. Even when we ride well.
The truth is, whether we like it or not, the horse really does do most of the work.
Ouch. I know. Ouch.​

I'm not saying that endurance riding isn't hard. It is. It takes knowledge, persistence, and courage. Riding 100 miles in a single day hurts like hell. But I'll bet it doesn't hurt like doing about any other sport for the same length of time. (Except maybe golf. Or baseball.)
Hell, I'm middle-aged, short, and about as genetically average as it's possible to be. I can't imagine running or swimming or rowing or sailing or cycling or climbing for 20 hours straight. But even I can ride that long.
I'll never place in a local track meet, let alone the Olympics. But day over day, I choose not just to get by, ​but to get better.
For me, what makes an athletic rider is effort and intention. I choose to approach distance riding as an any serious athlete approaches his or her sport. I will never place in a local track meet, let alone the Olympics. But day over day, I choose not just to get by, but to get better.
Being an athletic rider means that I eat well, I sleep lots, and I cross-train hard. Hard enough to build my body, my character, my feel. Hard enough to honor the effort with which my horse honors me.

​I run for my horse. I lift for my horse. I stretch and fuel and recover so that I can be there for him ~ really be there ~ in the dark hour on the mountain when it's just the two of us surging over unseen trail, my hands in his mane and his body in my mind, melting together into a single, sweat-soaked creature that is worthy of being called Us.

What kind of rider are you?

There's no wrong answer, as long as you're fair and inquisitive and kind.

If you happen to be the type who wants to be an athletic rider (or even if you're just athletic-curious), the upcoming series of posts on Building a Better Rider is for you. Over several weeks, we'll explore how endurance riding benefits from running, strength training, yoga, and nutrition. (In case you're wondering, it has almost nothing to do with weight loss.) 

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How to Build a Hay Feeder that Reduces Waste

10/19/2021

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Hay is expensive! There’s nothing more frustrating than watching your horse toss his meal out of the feeder onto the ground. Not only does that behavior lead to waste from trampling and wind, it also increases your horse’s risk of sand colic.

What Makes a Good Horse Hay Feeder?

Over many years of horse ownership, I’ve searched for a solution that:

  • Allows for quick and easy feeding through a panel fence. This rules out hay nets (major hassle) and the PortaGrazer (which is a great slow-feeder product, but expensive and still kind of a pain).
 
  • Allows the horses eat at ground level to support normal tooth wear patterns, unlike raised feeders.
 
  • Is safe even for busy, curious horses.
 
  • Is reasonably priced and robust. I don’t want to spend a fortune, and I certainly don’t want to spend it repeatedly as the horse breaks things.
 
  • Actually keeps most of the hay in the feeder rather than on the ground.
 
Having struck out on commercial options, I came up with a way of modifying a bunk feeder from my local farm store to meet the above criteria. I made two of them last spring. Since then, they have been tested by at least six, different equine personalities…and approved by me.
 
I needed one more, so today I took pictures as I pulled it together. Take a look at the final product, then I’ll show you how to make your own.
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The finished feeder has plenty of room for a large meal. I put alfalfa on one side and grass hay on the the other, which makes the horses less likely to try to toss the grass out in search of those delicious alfalfa bits. The crossbars leave room to eat but keep flakes contained.

What You'll Need

To make your feeder, you'll need:​
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  • One 43-gallon bunk feeder by High Country Supply. I paid $110 at my local feed store.
  • Three, 1/2 inch diameter, 18-inch long PVC male thread sprinkler risers ($8.65 at Amazon)
  • Six keychain-style carabiners ($12.99 for a dozen at Amazon)
  • Paracord cut into three, 58-inch lengths with ends melted to prevent fraying ($9.85 for 50 feet at Amazon, which is way more than you'll need)
  • Two, 2-foot long x 1 inch wide cam straps ($13.99 for 6 at Amazon)
  • Drill with 5/16 bit
  • Tape measure
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How to Make Your Waste-Less Horse Hay Feeder

This is really easy, I promise. It took me about 30 minutes, including finding the right drill bit and pausing to snap photos.

STEP 1: Drill holes in your bunk feeder. Fun, right? It's easiest if you tip the feeder on its side.

​The red arrows in the photo below show where the holes need to go. Hint: The mid-point between the legs is at the 9.75 inch mark

You'll put three holes on each side of the feeder, just below the lip. I find that this spacing works really well. It's easy for me to slip flakes of hay between the crossbars, but hard for the horse to throw them back out.
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​STEP 2: Thread both ends of one of your sections of paracord through one of the holes. Leave enough of a loop to clip on a carabiner. 

The purpose of the carabiner is to keep the paracord from slipping through the hole. You could use something cheaper, like a large washer, but I like the carabiner because it doesn't have any sharp edges to wear on the cord, and it's easy to unclip if I ever need to remove the crossbar in a hurry.
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​STEP 3:
Thread one of your sprinkler risers onto the paracord.

The purpose of the PVC riser is to keep the horse from getting tangled in something more flexible (like chain or uncovered paracord). It's also not particularly interesting for most horses to chew on, and it's smooth against their faces as they root around inside the feeder.
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​STEP 4: Thread both ends of the paracord through the hole opposite the one you started with. You should have a few extra inches on the other side, which will make it easy to tie a simple knot to close the loop. Be sure you pull the cord pretty taut before tying your knot. Mine ended up with just enough slack to expose about an inch of paracord on each end of the PVC riser.

Clip on another carabiner to keep the knot from trying to slip back through the hole over time.
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​REPEAT STEPS 1-4
to add the remaining two crossbars. Ta-da!
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​STEP 5: Use the cam straps to secure your new feeder to the fence. This way, it's easy to detach the feeder for cleaning, but your horse can't push it all around his paddock.
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That's it! For less than $150, I have a bunk feeder that is the best combination of easy use and effectiveness that I've managed to find yet.

How well does it work? That depends on the horse. I'd say it keeps 90-100% of the hay off the ground for most of my horses most of the time. My determined hay-tosser occasionally gets up to half of his hay out of it, but usually much less. I call that a win.

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Old Selam 2021 in Pictures

10/3/2021

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Mr. Sweaty and I had a fantastic time at Old Selam 2021! The ride was well managed, as always, and full of friends supporting the SouthWest Idaho Trail & Distance Riders (SWIT&DR). 

As you may recall from The Worry List, I was planning to ride the Day 1 50 on Starfish, then do a day or two of LDs with Ledger. Unfortunately, my concerns about Starfish played out and I decided not to ride her, after all.

So, Ledger got to go instead. You can read the ride stories here: Day 1 and Days 2-3. I didn't have room for all the fun photos (mostly taken by Mr. Sweaty) in the stories, so I tossed the rest of my favorites into the slideshow below. Enjoy!

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Ledger Sees a Ghost: Old Selam 2021, Days 2 & 3

10/1/2021

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Alrighty, then. Having survived Day 1, Ledger and I donned our tights and tack for Saturday's LD.

I'd made a tentative plan to ride with my friends from the day before ~ the ones with the young Arab and the adorable mule ~ having first extracted a promise that they wouldn't wait around for me if I needed to work Ledger through some challenges.

We started with groundwork again and waited for the crowd to leave. As agreed, our friends went on ahead. The trail began just as on Day 1 ~ with a sharp turn back toward camp just a quarter mile out. This time, I was prepared for fireworks! 

But, none came. Bonus: I didn't have to wade across the creek.

Sure, Ledger was excited. No, he didn't want to walk. But we didn't have any crazy antics ~ and blessedly, no more half-rears. Yesterday had taught us that neither the leverage of a junior cowhorse nor the gentleness of a mullen mouth was ideal for him in this situation. I really wanted a regular, d-ring twisted wire snaffle, but I didn't have one along. So, we made do with the non-leverage ring on the junior cowhorse.

Loop 1 featured the usual assortment of youngster shenanigans: Trot too fast, try to canter, get denied, try again. Try really hard to trot too fast. Catch up with mule and spend a couple miles with muzzle buried in mule's tail. (May the heavens rain carrots down upon Applejack the Mule. He is my hero.)
Eventually, I had to hop off to correct those dang twisting hoof boots. Applejack and friends went on ahead. Ledger jigged and levitated and attempted all manner of protest as I led him for quite a while before hopping back on to climb a steep bit of single track. He trotted up it politely...and stepped out of a hind boot. Gah!

I was off again, reinstalling the boot, when a couple different friends went by. Yep, we're okay, thanks! See you up the trail!

And we did. Several times. The three of us leapfrogged the remainder of the loop, which isn't my favorite situation but offered a great training opportunity for Ledger. We just kept on doing our thing, riding our own ride. As the miles passed, I noticed that I was making more and more of my corrections from the saddle, feeling safe and in control as we slowly worked the behavioral kinks out.
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Photo by Steve Bradley
The last couple miles of the loop found us a hundred yards or so behind another rider, who was taking it slow. Ledger still had plenty of spark, but this was a perfect chance to make him deal with going my pace despite seeing another horse ahead. We walked ~ or tried to ~ and yielded into a one-rein stop every time he broke gait. Over and over. Until finally, he got it.

We walked in on a loose rein. Good boy!

Now, the vet. Ledger had been quite an embarrassment on Day 1, fidgeting, half-heartedly swiping at the vet with a hind leg (GASP!), and running me over on his trot-out. This time, I did a little extra work before getting in line: I thoroughly patted down Ledger's belly and flanks looking for ticklish spots (none found) and reminded him of his head-down cue.
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It worked. He vetted through politely ~ more A's on everything ~ and proceeded to eat and drink well during the hold. When the hold ended, I was relieved to find that the miles finally seemed to be making a dent in Ledger's enthusiam. We trotted quietly out of camp, again on a loose rein. And (drum roll, please...) I didn't dismount a single time during the second loop. Huzzah!
We finished with all A's. The vet said we were good to go for Day 3, if we wanted. I did want to, of course... but ...75 miles in a weekend for a first-time horse? That sounded like an awful lot. I want to build this horse, not break him!

Not one to pass up an opportunity to build on his improvements, however, I volunteered to pull ribbon on a 12-mile loop. We could do those miles slowly, I figured, and just mull over our lessons learned.
So, Sunday afternoon found us moseying at a leisurely pace, side passing and backing and circling to snag ribbons from bushes and branches. All went well...until Ledger saw a ghost.

You see, Centerville is an old western town, the kind that has a few overgrown cemeteries lurking in its surrounding woods. Tombstones rise from mossy earth, ringed by iron fences, adorned with gothic crosses and names split in half by time. It's just the sort of place to scare the bejeezus out of visiting pre-teens...or, as it happens, my horse.

​Ledger and I were happily jogging up a hill, his tack adorned with ribbons, when all the blood drained from his body. He went stiff as a corpse, shuddered, then rolled back and bolted down the trail. 
​
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Back to the one-rein stop. Yeehaw! Ledger folded around and stood still, shaking. I tried not to let him see me laugh. He absolutely refused to go back up that hill. I got off and showed him the way, but not without stopping to document his bulging eyeballs as he skirted the cemetery with flanks aquiver.
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Long story short, we didn't get murdered by the ghost. We did have some conversations about continuing to behave as Ledger grew weary of the ribbon-pulling tedium. But as we strolled into camp around 4:30, well-mannered and hungry, I leaned over to give him a big hug for a job well done.

And now, because it's taken me so long to get this story written, we're just a week away from Ledger's first 50.

​We have our sights set on Day 1 at Autumn Sun. I happen to know that a local winery serves wine at this ride. That's convenient. I might need it.

Wish us luck!
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The Worry List

8/27/2021

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One week from today, I will (knock wood) be riding at Old Selam, which is Idaho's longest-running endurance ride and one of my favorites.
​
Old Selam has been a ride of many "firsts" for me: 

  • First ride I volunteered at before I even had a horse
  • First 50 I ever rode (2008 on my Arab gelding Aaruba Sunset)
  • First ride for my Barb mare Consolation (LD in 2009)
  • First ride for my Arab gelding HHR Jammazon "Jammer" (50 miler in 2013)
  • First ride for my Morab mare Redroc Jazzmyn "Minji" (50 miler in 2017)

This year, I hope to add two more:

  • First 50 with my Sulphur Mustang-Arab mare CM Kasara "Starfish"
  • First ride (just the LD) for my Arab gelding A Knight's Tale "Ledger"

But you know how it is. With firsts come worries.

Well, okay, ALL endurance rides come with worries! But firsts are the worst.

Instead of downing a handful of Xanax, I'm trying to identify the individual sources of my generalized anxiety. That way, I can strategize to mitigate them as much as possible, and maybe even get some sleep the night before.

So, here we go:

Worry #1: Starfish's Nervousness

Starfish is a cool horse.

​Just a tiny thing at about 14.1 hh, she's nicely built with a lot of her Sulphur Mustang half on display. Her gaits aren't fast or flashy, but they're smooth and surefooted. She'd be my first pick for a technical trail any day. Point her up or down anything, and she'll find a safe way to get from here to there.


Buuuut...you knew this was coming...she's also anxiety-prone. It shows up in her predilection for chewing ropes and bit shanks. As fence-walking. As inappetence when she's under stress. She rarely does those things anymore, but ride camp is a different animal! Keeping her settled and her tummy happy over 50 miles is a top priority.
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Here's my plan:
​
  • Administer daily preventative dose of UlcerGard (omeprazole) beginning the day before the ride.
  • Buffer electrolytes with kaolin pectate. I experimented with putting this in beet pulp mashes and she didn't seem to mind it.
  • Add GutX to beet pulp mashes. (She's on this as a daily supplement anyway.)
  • Add Outlast to beet pulp mashes. (This is also part of her daily regimen.)
  • Administer SmartDigest Ultra Paste in the morning and at the hold. (More on this in a moment.)
  • Feed Outlast treats and graze along the trail.
  • Offer some alfalfa alongside free choice orchard grass hay in camp, just like we do at home.

Why the SmartDigest Ultra?

​Well, I've found that when horses' tummies gets grouchy, they often respond rapidly to a dose of Equerry's Electro-Probiotic Paste. Within 15 minutes, their appetite returns and they resume life as usual. I've had this work in several horse, and I always keep a few tubes on hand. Naturally, I considered including it as a preventative in Starfish's race-day protocol. It doubles as an electrolyte source, too! BUT WAIT...the paste contains sodium bicarbonate.
"Horses engaged in protracted exercise should not be supplemented with any electrolyte product that contains bicarbonate!"
~ Nancy S. Loving, DVM
That's no bueno for an endurance event. As Nancy Loving, DVM, notes in her excellent book All Horse Systems Go, horses' blood becomes more alkaline as they sweat out electrolytes. Feeding bicarbonate exacerbates this alkalization, increasing risk of cramping, thumps, colic, and heat exhaustion. Yikes!
Maybe the Equerry's paste doesn't contain enough bicarbonate to matter, but I'd rather err of the safe side. So, I went looking for a product that offers similar probiotic and other stomach-soothing ingredients without the sodium bicarbonate (or any substances that would violate AERC's drug policy). I landed on SmartDigest Ultra Paste. The ingredient list compares favorably to the Equerry's paste in terms of probiotics, and it has even more soothing ingredients like pectin, kaolin, and l-glutamine. ​

Overkill? Maybe! But I'd rather be sure she's comfortable all day long.

Anyway, back to my worry list.

Worry #2: Ledger's Boots

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Ledger is looking quite professional on our conditioning rides these days. He expresses no objection to my treeless saddle, biothane tack, Easyboot Gloves, or fetlock boots.

However, he is quite new to those boots. He had front shoes on until a couple weeks ago, and we're still putting the final touches on his booting situation. Ought-fives fit his hinds perfectly. Size 1s almost fit his fronts.
The problem with "almost" is that it usually isn't quite good enough for a long trail ride. The 1s stay on and, after some hoof touch-ups with my rasp, they aren't twisting anymore. However, they do have just a bit of a gap at the quarters that makes me wonder if we'll have trouble with them coming off once we throw in a few creek crossings and steep embankments. I'll keep working on the trim and bring along some athletic tape, just in case we need to wrap his hooves for a better fit.

We're also trying to figure out interference protection. He doesn't interfere badly, but he did knock himself in the front once before his shoes were pulled. For now, I'm putting fetlock boots (the kind designed for hinds) on all four, which looks a little odd but offers the protection on want in front.

​In the rear, I'm watching carefully to see whether his near-side boot rubs on an old wire scar that bumps up on the front of his fetlock. If it does...well, I'm going to have to get creative.

Worry #3: Behavioral Unknowns

Will they settle in camp? Will he eat while she's out on the trail? Will she get anxious at the start? Will he be racy? Will she cross mud? Will he cross water?

My mind could spin in these circles forever. Or, I could put as many tools in our toolkits as possible and know that even if we have some trouble, we'll be prepared to deal with it. I've been focusing a lot more on groundwork than usual -- running the horses through Clinton Anderson's Method properly, in order and without skipping anything.

My original reason for doing so was to lay a foundation on the ground for dealing with specific issues under saddle with Starfish. I wanted to have all the "buttons" installed to help me redirect her when faced with her nemesis: boggy ground. 
Those of you who really believe in groundwork know what happened, right? Yep. The new mindset (call it respect, or whatever) she absorbed from the groundwork all but eliminated her issues under saddle, without me ever having to confront those issues directly. Not surprising, really, but it still always seems magical, doesn't it?

Anyway, it's early yet and you never know what obstacles you'll encounter on the trail. Training and a happy gut short-circuit a lot of potential problems, but just in case, I found a 12-foot lead that is small and light light enough to bring along in my saddle bag. It works a lot better than my biothane rein with its little-bitty clips if I need to do a little groundwork mid-ride.
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I'm definitely not above dismounting to deal with a sticky situation. I call it joining the I Choose Life Club. Ha ha.

​Some people worry about getting off because the feel it rewards the horse for bad behavior. Stacy Westfall addressed this in one of her podcast episodes. Her solution? "Get off more." The idea is that if you dismount frequently, regardless of the horse's behavior at the time, the horse won't associate the dismount with his behavior. Clinton Anderson's take is that as long as you deal with the behavior, it doesn't really matter to the horse whether you're mounted or on the ground.

All things considered, I think we're ready. Mostly ready? Ready! We've practiced vetting and trot-outs, climbed hills, watered at canal banks, dialed in diets, tested tack, and packed the trailer. Now, it's time to do our best and see what happens.

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Lyte Me Up: Comparing Electrolytes to Replace Perform N Win

8/23/2021

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As I reach the end of my last bucket of Buckeye Perform N Win, I find myself on the hunt for a new electrolyte product to use during conditioning. (I normally use something with higher concentrations during 50-mile or longer events, when replenishment is more urgent.)

Perform N Win was popular among endurance riders for its sweet taste and gentleness on equine tummies. I wrote to Buckeye to ask about the discontinuation and rumors of an upcoming re-formulation. They responded quickly and kindly with the following:

  • The product was discontinued "because, according to our lead nutritionist, we needed to reformulate it to include more salt if it were to be appropriate for harder working horses." (My observation: That probably explains why it was gentle on horses' stomachs.)
  • The company does not plan to re-formulate and/or re-release the product in the near future.
  • They find the electrolyte product Summer Games to be "the closest to our Perform N Win in suitability."

I also asked on social media what other AERC riders who used to use Perform N Win are using, and thought I'd share the jist of the responses here, since that post will soon be buried.
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Starfish loves her post-ride sweet water with electrolytes!
This is hardly a scientific survey, but the most popular electrolytes among respondents to my post were Mad Barn's Performance XL and Kentucky Performance Products' Endura-Max. Some riders were also using Kentucky Performance Products' Summer Games, the product suggested by the former maker of Perform N Win.

I pulled the comparison information below directly from the product labels. The companies format their analyses a bit differently. (Note things like sodium and chloride breakdown vs just salt, and chlorine vs chloride.) Being neither a nutritionist nor a chemist myself, I won't attempt to elaborate or interpret. Instead, I included complete ingredient lists for a fuller picture. If you're knowledgable on the subject, please do add your thoughts in the comments!
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A couple of the analyses include additional nutrition information. For example, Summer Games offers copper, iron, manganese, and zinc; Performance XL offers vitamin E and ascorbic acid. 
​
Most riders who commented on Mad Barn's Performance XL noted that their horses love it. A couple said they (the riders, that is) didn't care for the smell of the product. One noted that while it doesn't include a buffer, it is not caustic. This makes sense, given the relatively low sodium concentration.
Some riders who use Endura-Max noted that they use kaolin pectate as a buffer. I looked up kaolin pectate (yep, that's what Kaopectate is!) and found this helpful article in Kentucky Equine Research's Q&A library. It explains that kaolin is a soothing clay long used as a antidiarrheal, and pectin is a fruit-derived carbohydrate whose gelatinous texture is thought to coat the stomach.
"Susan Garlinghouse, D.V.M., has recommended the use of kaolin-pectin in endurance horses."

~ KER Answer Exchange referencing a webinar with Kathleen Crandell, PhD
The KER article notes that well-respected endurance vet and rider Dr. Garlinghouse combines equal parts electrolyte and kaolin pectate in a blender to make a smooth, tummy-friendly concoction that can be syringed into the horse during competition. 

In the interest of thoroughness, other favorite electrolytes cited by riders on social media included: Apple-a-Day, Perfect Balance, and DAC. One rider also mentioned Endura-Max Plus, which is a paste version of the same KPP product. It includes a buffer but, at about $10 per single-serving tube, is considerably more expensive than the powder.

So...now what?

I'm thinking of trying the Mad Barn product for use during conditioning, as its lower concentrations should be easier on the horses' stomachs.

For competition, I like the idea of buffering Endura-Max with kaolin pectate (which can be purchased by the gallon for $10-20, depending on the vendor). My horses typically eat their electrolytes in a mash, so I'll have to test whether they'll mind a bit of kaolin pectate in the mix. Stay tuned.

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He Will Rock You

8/22/2021

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Well, maybe he will and maybe he won't. Only time will tell. But, he has potential!

This is A Knight's Tale, affectionately known around our farm as Ledger. (You've seen the movie, right?) I found him in southwest Oregon, having been nicely started by an owner who didn't quite have the time to meet his demands for a high-energy job. He's seven years old, 15.2 hh, kind, and a little bit too smart. 

Before I go on, shout out to his seller for doing things right. She advertised him 100% honestly: He's not for a rider who wants to go slow. He needs regular mental and physical work to stay out of trouble. He has some old scars from tangling with a fence as a youngster. Speaking of fences, he doesn't always like to stay in them. 

He's also sweet, sound, and sane, and the seller insisted on a 30-day trial period to ensure a good match. She internet stalked and interviewed me, and included a buy-back and first right of refusal clause in his sale contract. We're now friends on social media, and I love having her support as I launch into his new career.

I brought Ledger home five weeks ago. The drive was a beautiful 450 miles across central Oregon. I spent nearly 12 hours on the way back, easing my precious cargo through the twisty mountain highways. We arrived home tired, but none the worse for wear, and spent our first few weeks getting to know each other.

Ledger was trained using Clinton Anderson's Downunder Horsemanship Method, with which I have some familiarity because I had another horse trained that way a few years back. When a "testing" behavioral issue cropped up, his seller was very helpful in advising me on the specific groundwork that would punch the right buttons in his brain. It worked...and that got me thinking about revisiting the Method to refresh my memory. More on that later.

As Ledger settled in, his personality and athleticism burst out. As promised, he loves to go down the trail and appears to be the kind of athlete that eats workouts for breakfast. He bounds up hills like a jackrabbit. He's fitter than I expected -- a happy surprise -- though I was aware that his seller had been working toward a September LD. I suspect he's the type that would let me work him too hard, so my present mode is one of cautious progression. I don't want to take advantage of his strong aerobic system before his structures are ready.

I got his teeth done and had my favorite vet/chiropractor look at the funky kink in his loin. He doesn't seem to have any pain or limitation associated with it, and goodness knows he can get his hindquarters under himself! The vet assigned me some bodywork exercises to see if we can smooth out that bump, but said it doesn't seem to be anything to worry about.

After our successful trial period, I led Ledger down to my neighbor, a retired farrier, to get his front shoes pulled. I'd been prepping his hooves with Durasole and was pleased to see that he walked out nicely on pavement and gravel immediately after the shoes came off. 
I did some trimming to balance his feet and was quite pleased by the progress. (Sorry, I forgot to take an "after" photo.) Size 1 Easyboot Gloves fit him fairly well right off the bat. It's not perfect; they stay on but twist a little, so we may need to do the athletic tape wrap thing for his first event.

Event? Yes!

Assuming no surprises, Ledger will be coming along to Old Selam in a couple weeks. I think he could probably do a 50. However, I'm going to play it safe since I have a thorough knowledge of him and his fitness history. We'll probably try for the LD on Day 2. If he finishes looking stellar, we can always do a second LD on Day 3.

And now, the sun is up and coffee is gone. It's time to ride!
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Buckling Down

8/8/2021

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Bighorn! Tevis!

By the middle of July, all the talk of tough 100's and buckles had my attention. Too many years have passed since I made it to all the rides, rode all the days, dreamed all the dreams. 

Yes, there was one thing and another. Injuries (me), syndromes (horse), fires (house), change (career). But now I have ~ god willing and the crick don't rise ~ two sound horses and a fairly cooperative physique.

I also have the realization that I've kind of let myself settle. Settle into the ease of conditioning when I could (which is to say, not enough) and prioritizing other things. 

There was a time when I simply couldn't get my head around how people could be content to do only a handful of rides per year. They wanted to do other things, too. Go to family events. Travel. Garden. Whatever. 

I didn't understand it then, but I understand it now. 
There's nothing wrong with focusing other priorities. We all make our choices, and we reap both the positive and negative consequences. I've enjoyed the time spent on other things, but they cost me my readiness to compete. 

Abraham Lincoln famously said, "Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most." Hmm.
"Discipline is choosing between what you want now and what you want most."

~ Abraham Lincoln
I've always been the hot or cold type. I'm in or out, on or off, black or white. In attempting to find a healthy balance between trying hard and accepting things beyond my control, I managed to put myself in the unfamiliar gray zone of half-assing it. Unfortunately, in this sport, half-assing it isn't enough.
What if I could have the best of both worlds? Not all of both worlds, mind you, but the best of them?
As social media flooded with talk of Big Horn, of Tevis, I wondered if there could be a better way. What if I could have the best of both worlds? Not all of both worlds, mind you, but the best of them? What if I could get serious about endurance and maintain other priorities?
Tired of sitting on the sidelines with a not-quite-ready horse, I decided to buckle down.

Step one was to identify my highest priorities. Here they are, in no particular order:

  • Compete in endurance
  • Spend time with partner, family, and friends
  • Maintain personal fitness

Step two was to make sure my partner was on board. I told him what I wanted to accomplish with the horses, what it would cost in time and focus, and how I intended to balance that with other priorities. His support meant I could proceed without guilt or resentment.
Step three was making it happen.

​That looked like tightening up my schedule to replace wasted time with brisk transitions between work and workouts, chores and conditioning.

It looked like trading lazy Saturday mornings for early conditioning rides, so I could be done in time to go out with friends.

It looked like preserving Wednesday evenings for date night, making sure I was available to cook dinner when my partner had to work late, accepting the gift of him taking over dinner duty so I could ride.

It looked like a lot of choosing what I want most over what I want now.

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It still looks like that, and you know what? It's working. My days are very, very full, but they are also very, very satisfying.

​While cleaning paddocks or sorting hoof boots, I often listen to 
Endurance Horse Podcast. I've been struck lately by the tenacity of riders who stuck to their dreams despite family, health, and economic challenges. Some of them slogged through years of setbacks, but eventually they found a way.

They are who I want to be when I grow up. So today, I buckle down.

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2021 AERC Convention Notes: Nick Warhol on What Makes a Great Endurance Horse, and How Do You Get One?

3/17/2021

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​You know Nick Warhol, right? Over 13,000 miles in 13 years of endurance, 30-plus 100-milers, ride manager, former AERC board member, and storyteller. Yeah, you know the guy. His talk at the 2021 AERC Convention was worth the price of admission. (You can still access all the Convention sessions through the end of March!)
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Warhol began with a disclaimer: All opinions are his and could be argued by others.

I reckon that’s true of anyone trying to sort out what makes a great endurance horse. We all agree on good feet, correct conformation, and all that…but Warhol’s focus went more than bone deep: His #1 most important trait for an endurance horse: its mind.

Warhol listed a variety of mental attributes of a good endurance horse, noting that some are trainable, and others are not. Here’s his list:

  • Stands still for saddling
  • Loads and hauls without drama
  • Will drink through the trailer window when traveling (Interesting. I have never tried this.)
  • Camps calmly, including eating and drinking in new environments
  • Can be mounted and walked out on a loose rein at the start
“You can train a horse’s behavior, but you cannot change his personality.”

~ Nick Warhol

  • Doesn’t mind being alone and will work without other horses to motivate him
  • Loves to be in front but doesn’t mind following
  • Forward but not stupid
  • Calm trot
  • Loves to climb hills
  • Not spooky

This is about the point where Warhol began spinning stories. Those were the best part, but you simply have to hear them in his voice. I’ll just capture his practical points here.
“You want a horse
​that needs brakes,
not a gas pedal.”

~Nick Warhol

Warhol emphasized the importance of a horse being forward, but still in control. I completely agree; there’s nothing worse than having to “pedal” a horse along 50 miles of trail! If he doesn’t enjoy the job, he needs a different job and you need a different horse.
Spooking (the phantom type, not the occasional honest spook) is problematic and even dangerous. Warhol said that, in his experience, spooky behavior is best addressed through relationship rather than training.
 
Okay, I can’t resist. I’ll pass along one story:
 
Warhol had a gorgeous, talented mare. She was fabulous, but he clung on as he rode her, afraid of hitting the dirt (again) on one of her dramatic spooks.
 
A friend finally advised, “Don’t ride her like she’s gonna spook. Ride her like she’s not!”
So, Warhol forced himself to relax and ride the mare as if she were his steady gelding. Breathe. Don’t clamp legs or butt. Reduce contact on the bit. Sing. Keep pretending you’re on a horse you trust.

And, it worked. Relaxing himself relaxed the mare and brought out the best in her.

Warhol also talked a bit about the challenge of shopping for a good brain. He suggested that shoppers: 
“You’re not going to change a horse’s feelings and opinions by force. You have
​to connect and communicate.”


~ Nick 
Warhol
  • Rely on references and referrals when possible
  • Trust your gut instinct (and know that it’ll improve with practice)
  • Ask the owner to ride the horse first, while you observe
 
He added that no matter what horse you buy, it’s possible her personality and mindset will change when you start doing endurance. Your unicorn could turn into a dragon at the starting line. It is, quite literally, the nature of the beast.

When asked how to prevent race brain, Warhol answered like a card-carrying member of what I call the I Choose Life Club: “Go ahead and get off until they calm down. When the frenzy stops, get back on.” Cheers, Mr. Warhol.

“When you really know each other, you both know what the other partner is going to do.”

~ Nick Warhol

He noted that while it’s possible to buy a turnkey horse – a seasoned endurance campaigner – doing so sacrifices the invaluable experience of building your own partner.

​By bringing along your own horse, you can be confident that his conditioning schedule was appropriate. Not only that, you get the bonding that can only come through time. 
​
Of all the talks during Convention, this one resonated with me the most. I’m currently searching for my next "perfect" endurance horse. No, I’m not shopping. I’m assessing a couple mares that are already in my pasture. 
 
Neither is perfect, but they both have so many strong points. Some of their weaknesses can be trained away. Some of their strengths may evaporate under the pressure of an event. Only time will tell.
 
I’m working with the pair of them. Listening, watching, asking questions. Where do they shine? What imperfections can I live with? Are the good things about each horse good enough to make up for the bad ones? 
 
Here's the thing: Those mares are watching me, too. They're reacting to my strengths and weaknesses. The difference is that they don’t have a choice. They’re stuck with me. So I’d damn well better give them my very best.
You might also like:
​

Dr. Stephanie Seheult on How Your Body Works with your Horse
Dr. Langdon Fielding on Electrolyte Problems in Endurance Horses
Dr. Melissa Ribley on Riding in Different Conditions
Have you subscribed yet? 
​

More conference notes are on the way! Subscribe to receive email notifications when new posts are published. Just fill out the mini-form in the right-hand sidebar.

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2021 AERC Convention Notes: Dr. Melissa Ribley on Riding in Different Conditions

3/11/2021

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I always enjoy presentations by Melissa Ribley, DVM. Her talk at the AERC Unconventional Convention on March 6, 2021, was especially effective in sharing her passion for traveling to endurance rides all across the country. My notes capture the highlights, but there's no substitute for the full video, now available from AERC through the end of the month.
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Dr. Ribley is an extremely experienced endurance vet and rider. Not only does her AERC record span well over 20,000 miles, it also reflects her love of traveling with her horses. Competing in different regions means implementing good hauling practices and being prepared for all types of climate and terrain. Dr. Ribley shared tips on all counts.

Five Reasons to Ride Out-of-Region

Dr. Ribley started by sharing ​some enticing reasons to explore endurance rides in other regions:
​
  1. Meet interesting people
  2. Improve your riding skills
  3. See the country (Dr. Ribley recommends going early and staying late!)
  4. Spend time with your horse
  5. Challenge yourself

I've only made it to one out-of-region ride in the past, and it really was fun for all the reasons above. Dr. Ribley got me thinking about doing more, but I'm not sure how I can pull it off on a practical level. My vacation time doesn't go as far as I want to! Maybe in retirement. Stay tuned.

Tips for Traveling with Your Horse

Dr. Ribley provided excellent advice that can reduce stress for both horses and humans on cross-country treks with the trailer:
​
  • Plan your route ahead of time. Schedule to avoid high traffic areas during rush hour, and know where you’re going to stop overnight.
 
  • Fairgrounds often have shower facilities, in addition to generous turnout space for the horses. Rodeo grounds and horse motels provide other options. 
  • Riding in the trailer costs your horse about as much energy as walking. Stop every 3 hours to let him rest inside the trailer. Extra unloading and reloading in unfamiliar locations increases injury potential.  
​
  • Blowing hay particles can get into horses’ eyes and respiratory systems. Consider feeding hay only when the trailer is stopped, or providing wetted hay while driving.​
Dr. Ribley's Rule of Thumb

Allow 1 day of rest for each day of travel prior to an endurance event.

...with one exception: Horses are slow to adapt to high altitude, so if you’re making a dramatic change, plan to get there either the day before the ride or weeks​ early.
​
  • Tie horses in the trailer as needed for safety, but let them lower their heads below chest level as much as possible. This allows them to clear their tracheas of particulate and bacteria that would otherwise accumulate in the lungs.
​
  • Remember your paperwork. (Coggins, health certificates, brand inspections, etc.)

Tips for Riding in Diverse Terrain

Once you get to your destination and give your horse some rest, it’s time to ride! Dr. Ribley offered thoughts to bear in mind when riding in different types of terrain:

  • Rocky terrain poses risk of sole bruising and collateral ligament strains, as well as trip-and-fall injuries. The easiest and most obvious preventative measure is to slow down. Pads or boots help protect soles. Pour-in pads may be preferable to nail-in pads, which loosen the shoe nails as they flex with each step.
 
  • Sandy terrain fatigues muscles and can lead to strained suspensory ligaments and flexor tendons. Conditioning for sand before competing in it is extremely important.
 
  • Hard-packed terrain is concussive to the horse, particularly his hooves. Pedal osteitis (inflammation of the coffin bone) causes soreness that may require treatment with rest and anti-inflammatories. Laminitis, or “road founder,” can occur as excessive concussion reduces blood flow to the laminae, which tear, resulting in downward rotation of the coffin bone. Due to long-term risk of degenerative joint disease, it’s wise to minimize conditioning on hard-packed terrain. At rides, look for softer footing off to the side and slow down to reduce concussion.
 
  • Flat terrain looks easy, but looks are deceiving. Flat terrain requires use of the same muscle groups over long periods, leading to fatigue. Riders can help by varying the horse’s speed and gait. 

Tips for Riding in Diverse Climate Conditions

As both a vet and a rider, Dr. Ribley is well acquainted with the impact of climate on horses’ ability to perform. She shared some excellent advice for keeping our equine partners safe in all conditions:

  • Cold and dry weather makes for lower risk of dehydration and hyperthermia (overheating). Endurance vets see fewer metabolic pulls at cool, dry rides – but more lameness pulls, presumably because the horses are moving faster. Riders should take care to avoid overtaxing their horses mechanically. Also, blankets should be on hand prevent horses from getting chilled when they stop moving.
 
  • Cold and wet weather is often accompanied by challenging footing, making horses more injury prone. In chilly conditions, it’s best to let horses sweat and dry on their own instead of adding water, which can cool him too fast. (This reminds me of the time a vet actually thanked me for bringing a dry horse to show for BC on a crisp day ~ he said he'd seen too many that were hosed off and shivering.)
 
  • ​Hot and dry weather makes evaporative cooling quite effective. In these conditions, a horse may be cooled using water that is at the ambient temperature.
 
  • Hot and humid weather is metabolically challenging for horses. Evaporative cooling is less effective and hyperthermia risk goes up. In humid conditions, use water than is cooler than the air to bring down a horse’s temperature.
Dr. Ribley took some extra time to focus on hyperthermia. Horses whose temperatures exceed 103 degrees Fahrenheit are in danger! 
Cool Facts from Dr. Ribley

​A study of Olympic 3-day eventers showed no ill effects of wetting horses all over with ice water. 

​Cooling may be enhanced by adding rubbing alcohol to water at a rate of ½ pint of alcohol per gallon of water. Check for abrasions first – this stuff will sting!
Inability to dissipate enough heat through panting and movement of blood from hot muscles to cooler skin results in fatigue, increased heart and respiratory rates, and even central nervous system disruption.

To cool a hot horse, Dr. Ribley advised riders to remove the horse’s tack. Get the horse into the shade, ideally on a relatively cool surface (grass instead of blacktop). If possible, assist evaporative cooling with water and fans.
Do you ride out of region or in diverse conditions? Are there tips you'd add to Dr. Ribley's list? Share them in the comments.

You might also like:
Dr. Stephanie Seheult on How Your Body Works with your Horse
Dr. Langdon Fielding on Electrolyte Problems in Endurance Horses

More conference notes are on the way! You can subscribe to receive email notifications when new posts are published. Just fill out the mini-form in the right-hand sidebar. 
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2021 AERC Convention Notes: Dr. Langdon Fielding on Electrolyte Problems in Endurance Horses

3/9/2021

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I love seminar notes. Rarely can I take the time to go back and watch an entire presentation, but I do re-read my scribbles for a refresher on the key points. I hope that sharing them here will be helpful to you as well. 
 
Of course, I can’t possibly share all the details from this stellar session by Langdon Fielding, DVM, MBA, DAVECC, DACVSMR, and self-proclaimed electrolyte fanatic. To really take advantage of his generosity, register with AERC to access the 2021 Unconventional Convention content, which will be available through the end of March 2021.
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Sodium in Endurance Horses

Dr. Fielding began by sharing a typical lab panel taken from an “Ain’t Doin’ Right” horse at an endurance ride. The panel showed higher than normal sodium and lower than normal potassium, chloride, and calcium. He posed the question: Is the problem here too much sodium or too little water?
This horse’s sodium was high. How did it get that way? Either he was given too many electrolytes, or he lost more water through sweat then he replaced by drinking. He may also have been  dehydrated before the start.
 
If the horse’s lab panel had shown low sodium levels instead, Dr. Fielding would have been asking if we didn’t administer enough electrolytes, or if the horse actually drank too much. He observed that although it is possible (such as after a tough haul), horses rarely begin rides deficient in electrolytes.
The concentration of electrolytes in a horse's blood is different than the concentration of electrolytes in his sweat.
Potassium and chloride are much higher in sweat than in blood. Calcium and magnesium are lower in sweat than in blood, though the difference is less extreme. Sodium levels are similar in blood and sweat.

~ Dr. Langdon Fielding on Electrolytes in the Endurance Horse, AERC Convention, March 6, 2021
​Because sodium is all about the balance between electrolytes and water, identifying which side of the equation (sodium or water) got the level out of whack is key to preventing a repeat performance.

Potassium in the Endurance Horse

Moving on to potassium, Dr. Fielding said so much of this electrolyte is lost in sweat that low levels are common on lab panels taken during endurance events. Some horses tolerate low potassium better than others, and it’s not always problematic. However, low potassium is common in horses that are struggling or require treatment.
 
Dr. Fielding added that although weakness is a classic symptom of low potassium, this can be hard to differentiate from normal fatigue in an endurance horse.

Calcium and Thumps in the Endurance Horse

Dr. Fielding noted that although calcium is clearly tied to muscle and heart function, it is less consistently associated with endurance horses that are having trouble.
 
Low calcium, typically in addition to loss of potassium, chloride, and sodium (in Dr. Fielding’s words, "lots of electrolyte abnormalities colliding"), can contribute to synchronous diaphragmatic flutter, or thumps. Interestingly, thumps may be observed in a horse that is otherwise fine, as well as in a horse that is exhausted.
 
Dr. Fielding noted that feeing a horse alfalfa (which is high in calcium) can help thumps resolve within an hour or two, but cautioned that giving electrolytes to the horse could be risky if the horse is dehydrated. He said a vet would generally treat thumps with IV fluids including calcium.
Although not well documented, it is possible that a genetic component predisposes some horses to thumps.
​~ Dr. Fielding in response to an audience question
Dr. Fielding emphasized the importance of determining why a horse prone to thumps is affected. Future episodes may be preventable through changes to the horse’s electrolyte protocol.
It is possible – though this has not been rigorously tested – that feeding a low calcium diet during conditioning, then offering alfalfa just before the ride, can help prevent thumps. Dr. Fielding cautioned against doing the reverse; that is, eliminating alfalfa at a ride if a horse is accustomed to consuming it.

Final Words

Dr. Fielding wrapped up his presentation with a reminder that problems in endurance horses aren't always about electrolytes…and when they are, the answer isn’t always about changing products or administering more. 
Q&A with Dr. Fielding

Q. Where do you start on developing an electrolyte strategy?

A. As a starting place in a horse that isn't having problems, try 1/2 tube of electrolytes per vet check.

Q. Should we preload with electrolytes?
​
A. Dr. Fielding is neither for nor against this practice. Additional research on the subject is needed.
Riders should do their best to ensure that horse are hydrated before the ride and that sweat losses (both electrolytes and water) are replaced during the ride. If a particular horse is having issues, the rider should work with her vet on a targeted strategy.

​There was so much more to this presentation! For example, did you know that blood gets less acidic as chloride is lost? Or that ammonia is an electrolyte?

I highly recommend listening to the full talk. Access it by registering for the Unconventional Convention on the AERC website. Registration should be available by March 15, 2021, giving you access through the end of the month.
Did you get a chance to listen to Dr. Fielding's talk? What did you find most interesting?
You might also like: Dr. Stephanie Seheult on How Your Body Works with your Horse

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2021 AERC Convention Notes: Dr. Stephanie Seheult on How Your Body Works with Your Horse

3/6/2021

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Was anybody else thrilled to see that both days of AERC’s 2021 Unconventional Convention start with a focus on rider fitness? It seems to me that interest in this topic has increased recently. Maybe it’s not my imagination!
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Dr. Stephanie Seheult kicked things off with a session entitled “How Your Body Works with Your Horse." Dr. Seheult is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with a Bachelors in Health Science, as well as an active equestrian. Most of her clients at Advanced Physio are also riders.
In her presentation, Dr. Seheult focused on the importance of balance in the pelvis and its surrounding muscles. She noted that, in the saddle, many riders feel one seatbone more than the other. Riders may also sit off to one side.

These imbalances worsen as we fatigue – and that’s no small matter for those of us who ride 25, 50, or more miles at a stretch. Dr. Seheult's focus was on the rider, but of course our imbalances affect our horses as well.
Imbalances worsen as we fatigue ~ and that's no small matter for those of us who ride 25, 50, or more miles at a stretch.
Dr. Seheult described two, common causes of pelvic imbalance:
​
  • Pelvic Rotation, in which the top of one side of the pelvis rotates back (or down) and the top of the other side rotates forward (or up). If your right pelvis rotates down, you’ll feel your right seatbone more when you ride.
  • Imbalanced Back Muscles, in which the back muscles on the right and left sides of the body differ in length, pulling the pelvis out of alignment.   
Dr. Seheult also emphasized the importance of the gluteus medius muscle for lateral stability in the saddle. She said one side is usually stronger than the other. On the weak side, your hip flexor must compensate for your inactive gluteus medius, forcing you to use your hamstring to lift your heel to get your leg on the horse. Whew!

My favorite part of the presentation was the self-evaluation exercises. Dr. Seheult encouraged us to try a few tests in real life as she talked:
  • Hamstring Stretch: Standing up with one heel placed on the coffee table in front of me (leg straight), I followed the instructions to lean forward without slouching my shoulders or back. I paid attention to the stretch in my hamstring, then switched sides. I was not shocked to find that my right hamstring was tighter than my left. It seems like I’m always working on keeping that right side in line! 
  • Hip Range of Motion: Lying on a mat on my back, with one leg out straight, I lifted my other heel off the floor, bending it to 90 degree angles and hip and knee. Then, I followed instructions to keep my knee in place while rotating my lower leg inward (toward my midline, resulting in external rotation of my hip) then outward, (away from my body, resulting in an internal rotation of my hip.) Having tried this with both legs, I noted that internal hip rotation is not my strong suit, especially on my right side. 
This was the moment when my cat decided to settle down on my belly and purr. Meanwhile, Mr. Sweaty's chihuahua amused herself by licking post-workout sweat off my forehead. At least I wasn’t lonely.

Anyway... Dr. Sehult had one more test:
  • Gluteus Medius Strength: I gently boosted Kitty to the floor, then rolled to my side. With my bottom leg slightly bent for support and my top leg straight, I followed the instructions to roll my top hip forward and down toward the floor. I then slid my top leg a few inches backward and slowly lifted and lowered it to observe my glute strength. On this one, I didn’t feel much difference between my left and right sides – maybe because I work out a lot and my strength is generally better than my mobility. I noticed a slight tendency to dump tension into my lower back, though.
After the self-evaluation exercises, Dr. Seheult was joined by Jeanette Henry, owner of Positively Pilates. The two of them work together on Ride Advanced with Positively Pilates.

I won’t even attempt to recite the nuances of the gentle pilates session Ms. Henry talked us through. It focused on the neutral spine and a rider’s ability to keep the pelvis centered while rotating the legs outward. I found the pilates exercises easy and pleasant, and can definitely see the benefit of looking more into pilates as a way to further strengthen and balance my core. 
 
Access to the videos is closed during the duration of the convention (March 6-7, 2021), but my understanding is that AERC will reopen registration next week. If you didn't get a chance to catch this session the first time around, I highly recommend taking the time to watch the video and try the exercises.
Like strength work, mobility work is key to athletic longevity.
My biggest takeaway was a reminder that I really do need to put more time into mobility work. I always enjoy yoga, pilates, Feldenkrais, and form rolling (well, maybe not foam rolling), but I struggle to prioritize them. 
It always seems so much more productive to run, spin, lift, ride, or write. But I know that's short-sighted. Like strength work, mobility work is key to athletic longevity. ​

How about you? Did you watch Dr. Seheult's session? What did you get out of it?

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On the Wings of a Storm

1/29/2021

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I paid less than $400 for Aaruba. His breeder wanted quiet Arabians and Pintabians, and Aaruba wasn't. No, Aaruba was the plain gray, high-headed, wide-eyed, last straw that sent his sire to the vet for gelding.

I first saw him on the kind of windy, muddy day that whipped his mind to wildness. Still a leggy four-year-old, he flashed about the makeshift corral as if the storm were inside him. He offered no buck but plenty of air, a whirl flat knees, good hooves, and that indefinable something that trumpets, "I'm the one!"
We made the deal.

Aaruba came home friendly but troubled, ravaged by a sea of emotions, in desperate need of a captain.

​Together, we navigated the straits of training - he the ship and I the sail - to open waters and sunny days.
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Nearly three years later, I can sometimes offer a bit of the captaincy to him. Yesterday, fresh from two weeks of bad weather and little work, he seemed nevertheless in a mental state to chart our course. And so, I settled into my saddle and handed him the wheel.

He ran.

For most of sixteen miles, he ran, and a winter storm gave chase. A frozen landscape streamed past, pulled tears from my eyes and sweat from his neck. We cantered free as water, free as wind, our bodies long and loose as the reins between us.

I scarcely touched his face or sides but listened instead to his language pure as breathing. Our path looped wide, spun at last on a gust toward home. Winter nipped his flying heels. Naked tree limbs shuddered and the bellies of the clouds grew pregnant with snow.

And I? I clung astride that plain gray, high-headed, wild-eyed, will-o-the-wisp whose size and strength far outstripped my own, a creature more emotion than logic, more motion than matter, more worth than gold, and I was not afraid.
Originally published in The Barb Wire, December 2008

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Endurance Stirrup Covers for Winter Riding

1/21/2021

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A couple months ago, I asked around on the interwebs about where to get covers to go over caged endurance stirrups -- you know, to keep my feet warm while riding in winter chill, rain, and wind.

You know what I heard back? Crickets.
Stirrup covers exist for traditional western stirrups and English irons, but there didn't seem to be any such thing designed to suit the larger dimensions of endurance stirrups - let alone the stirrup cages that many of us use. So, I improvised.

It turns out that gallon-size Ziploc bags and a handful of zipties will, technically, help keep feet warm inside caged stirrups. They will not, however, make much of a fashion statement.
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Redneck foot warmers. Um.
I definitely needed a better solution. Enter my friend Simone.

Simone Mauhl is an endurance rider in the northwest region. Conveniently for my winter riding dilemma, she also makes tack - much of it custom, and much of it for packing. (We have a lot of hunters out here in Idaho.)

So, when Simone mentioned that she could make me a pair of stirrup covers designed for caged endurance stirrups, I was all over it! We put our heads together and she came up with this design:
Well! That's much prettier than my redneck version, don't you think?
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​The covers are made of a water repellant fabric with a thin liner in the toe area for extra insulation. They're not completely waterproof, Simone said, but it would take a heck of a driving rain over a long period to get any leakage through the seams. ​

Dang, I wish I'd had them at the Eagle Canyon 50 in 2016, which featured sideways rain, snow, and hail all night and much of the day!

Side note: Thanks to my Helly Hanson rain pants and Goretex cycling shell, my feet were actually the only part of me that got soaked that day. I've said it before: look at outdoor adventure gear for riding -- it's better than just about anything made by the usual equestrian brands.
Anyway, back to the stirrup covers. The photos above feature them on a 2008-ish era Easycare E-Z Ride stirrup that Simone borrowed from Mr. Sweaty's saddle for a model. However, she made sure to make the velcro loops adjustable for all sizes of endurance stirrups, with or without cages.

My own favorite stirrups are a battered pair that came with a used Bob Marshall. If I knew what brand they were, I would buy more, but alas, they are unmarked. They're a bit smaller than the E-Z Rides. I tried out the covers on them the first time we got a snowy day with decent footing.
Well, now. That's much better than the Ziplocs!

Incidentally, those Ziplocs took about 20 minutes to ziptie on and about 10 minutes to snip off. I installed Simone's covers in about 20 seconds per stirrup. (Yes, I actually counted.)

You can't see it in the photo, but there is a double velcro strip along the bottom of the stirrup cage, which is highly adjustable and keeps the cover in place.
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Starfish didn't find the covers spooky at all. She was probably glad to have those godawful embarrassing Ziplocs gone!

​It wasn't a super cold day -we've had a relatively mild winter this year - but I was in and out of the saddle, walking in the snow, and the whole way back we rode into the wind.

And...the covers worked! They stayed put and kept the wind off my toes, and they looked good doing it. I'll probably keep them on my saddle through February, and they'll go right back on next October.

AND...there's more good news: Simone said she can make more of these things for other riders. They're reasonably priced and Simone is great to work with.
The product is too new to be posted in an online store yet, so just look up Simone Mauhl on Facebook. If you aren't on Facebook, ping me at tamara@thesweatyequestrian.com and I'll hook you up.

​Happy toasty riding!
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15 Gift Ideas for Distance Riders

11/25/2020

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Is it just me, or do some people get harder to shop for with every passing year? Here are fifteen ideas to help you surprise your favorite endurance rider this Christmas:

Custom Gold Foil Map
These gorgeous maps can be customized to showcase any special location, especially if it has an intricate shoreline or trail system. I purchased one in copper on black. It's stunning in a black wood frame, and the seller was a pleasure to work with.

Charlie Mackesy Book or Print
If you haven't seen this guy's art, you must take a look! Mackesy's work embodies the kindness and gentle humor I associate with Winnie the Pooh, but with horses and without the cheesy illustrations. (Sorry, Pooh.) 

High Quality Layers
It seems like distance riders are always asking each other, "What do you wear to stay warm and dry on stormy rides?" My suggestion is to look for gear brands instead of equestrian-specific brands, because the technology used for skiing, cycling, and other outdoor adventure sports is so much more advanced. Some of my favorites are Outdoor Research, Rab, Patagonia, Marmot, and Mammut. Every serious rider needs a good down "puffy" coat and a 3-layer, waterproof, breathable rain shell with taped seams.

Personal Logo
Does your rider have a farm name? Ride with a team? Manage an event? Surprise them with the perfect logo -- no design skills needed. You can create your own with support from an app like Weebly Logo Maker or commission an artist on Fiverr. The logo itself is a great last-minute gift, as you can usually get one in three days or less. Pay a few extra bucks for the vector file, and you'll be all set to customize anything: window decals for the truck, completion awards, a metal sign for the driveway, whatever!

Silicone Ring
Riders can keep both their diamonds and their fingers safer by trading out gold rings for silicone ones during barn time. As a bonus, they're comfortable and stocking-stuffer cheap. Vendors like Qalo and Enso Rings have options that go beyond basic gray.
Running Vest
You know what isn't fun? Getting dumped in the middle of nowhere and watching your horse run off with all your water in his saddlebags. (Ask me how I know.)

That's why I wear a running vest when I ride in the wilderness alone. 

A good running vest beats a regular hydration vest because it is designed to minimize bouncing. Also, it not only holds water, but has lots of pockets.
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Modeling my running vest at the start of a 55 last July
Feel free to pad your gift with a few emergency supplies, like energy gels, some bandaids, sunscreen, and pain meds to make the walk out more tolerable.
Satellite Communication Device
This is a great gift if you have a healthy budget. I like the Garmin inReach, which fits nicely in a front pocket of my running vest. Its interface is easy to use and can even be operated through a smartphone app, which gives the user a proper keyboard instead of just the integrated grid. Your rider will be able to drop "breadcrumbs" when exploring new territory and send unlimited free pre-typed texts/emails. They'll also have have two-way, real-time communication capability -- no internet or cell service required. And, of course, there's the SOS button if shit really goes down. Bear in mind that you'll need to pay a subscription service (about $15/month) to keep the device active. 

Sleep Mask
Riders doing longer distances often go to bed well before dark. I like a good sleep mask to help block out the world. This one from Sleep Master is my favorite for comfort (very silky, highly adjustable, stays in place) and effectiveness (larger surface area blocks all light). 

​While you're at it, these Acoustic Sheep SleepPhones are a nice alternative to earplugs for muffling the clatter of ride camp. They're nice at home, too, for listening to music or a sleep meditation without bothering your partner.

Horse ID
Every rider's nightmare is to lose a horse in the wilderness. Equine ID collars can be worn in camp or while riding to help bring a missing horse home. These I.C.E. clips make good stocking stuffers. I'd like to have one on every saddle!

Spirit Horses
Merri Melde -- aka The Equestrian Vagabond -- makes adorable equine pins and magnets (and other things too) sure to bring any rider luck.

Custom Stuffed Horse
Speaking of adorable! These are pricy as plushies go, but this Etsy vendor will put your horse's markings on a stuffed toy for the cutest keepsake ever.

Ride Photos
Most distance events have a race photographer. You can usually find out who took photos at any given ride by checking the event website or Facebook page. Frame a great shot or have it printed on glass, canvas, or metal. You could also make a collage honoring one special horse, or perhaps all the different horses your rider has competed with over the years. 

Experiences
How about paying for a clinic, ride entry, or private lesson with an expert in your area? A session with an equine massage therapist or chiropractor wouldn't go amiss. Also, it's AERC membership renewal season...
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Local Crafts
For a truly unique gift, look for a craftsman in your own backyard. A couple years ago, my dad worked with Forgiven Fabrication (they are on Etsy now!) to turn a photo of me and my first endurance horse into a steel silhouette.
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​Cool, huh?
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Cowhide and Sheepskin
​Nothing beats coming back to a cozy home after a winter ride. Cowhides and sheepskins are perfect for adding warmth and flair to just about any style of decor. Even better, they hold up beautifully to pet hair, blood, and barf. Trust me on this.

​I've had good experiences with Cowhides International (get the Brazilian ones, they're higher quality) and Sheepskin Shop.

What are you hoping Santa brings this year? Add your ideas to the comments, and happy gifting!

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Neighbors

3/27/2020

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There’s something about being on a horse that makes people want to say hello.

I do most of my conditioning rides on the grid of agricultural roads surrounding my farm. Just about everyone who passes in a car, driving a tractor, or riding a motorcycle offers a wave. Once in a while, someone stops to chat.
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Sometimes, they’re concerned about my safety. Sometimes, they are horse people curious about Consolation’s breed, hoof boots, or tack. Sometimes, they just comment on the pretty day, the pretty horse, and (without saying so outright) the pretty nice feeling that most people make the world a better place.

Just last week, a guy pulled his truck over to ask if he could introduce his half-grown Weimaraner to Consolation in the hope that the pup would be less inclined to chase horses in the future.

A couple miles up the road, a faded sedan stopped in the oncoming lane. The window rolled down to reveal the gentleman with the Walkaloosas, who occasionally drops by my farm astride his favorite mare. His face was unusually ashen, his eyes hollow. I asked how he was, and he said not well. We talked horses and weather. And then he said he’d lost one of his grandsons the day before. The boy was three months old. Found dead in his crib, of unknown cause. A foal was due at his place any day; I should drop by. I said I would.

Then there is the woman who rents the old house at the S-bend. Her driveway is full of old cars from a lot owned by her husband, who recently passed. She has a new mare, a gentle, senior Paint found on Craigslist for $250.   Perhaps we’ll ride the irrigation road some evening, and she will tell her story.

Two of my favorites have names I don’t know. One is the mail carrier, always cheerful in her white Jeep with the orange light on top. Sometimes I wonder how much she knows about me, from my mail, and seems to like me anyway.

And, there is the migrant worker with the battered, two-tone pickup he drives among ditches, fields, and barns. We pass each other often, sometimes several times a day. My clothes and activities change — from breeches for riding to jeans for training to shorts for sprinting — and our frequent, speechless encounters make us laugh.

There is the husband and wife team that drives the school bus, the cattle rancher whose stock sometimes turn up on my land, the gardener whose handiwork I always slow to admire. There are the cyclists who call out to let me know they’re passing, men who cut the motors on their chain saws though Consolation isn’t spooky, the reining competitor whose trailer I once borrowed for a veterinary emergency. Kids who wave, kids too shy. Dog-walkers. Seasonal workers grinning under broad-brimmed hats. A loose collection of folks who know almost nothing, yet almost everything, about each other.

​People sometimes ask if I get bored of riding by myself.  Not often, I say, and I’m sincere.  But the truth is, I don’t really ride alone.
[Originally published in The Barb Wire, March 2011]
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Grounded

3/18/2020

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​We are grounded.
 
To varying degrees around the world, we are all being asked to stay home. No concerts, no weddings, no casual afternoons trying on shoes at the strip mall. There is much talk of these measures being too little, too late – or perhaps too much, too soon. We don’t know how bad it will be or how long it will last. ​
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We equestrians, especially the introverts among us, are filling social media with memes: Our sport was made for social distancing. We’ve practiced our whole lives for this. Indeed, we are among the lucky ones whose passions aren’t immediately stifled by the pandemic. This situation would be even harder if we were, say, avid sport climbers or Irish dancers.
 
But our events are being cancelled, too. Rides are dropping off the calendar as managers make fraught decisions for the good of the whole, or have their hands forced by governmental edicts. Some of us have horses fit to race. Others, like myself, are holding onto the dissolving hope of finally having a good year. All of us are, quite literally, grounded.
 
Of course, most of us can still mount up and hit the trail. But how is your mental game?
 
Distance riders tend to be a Type A, goal-driven bunch. We grow despondent when our targets are taken away. Without an event to shoot for, our motivation wanes. Conditioning loses its urgency. Maybe we won’t go ride today.
 
My own tendencies run in the all-or-nothing vein. I’m the sort to choose my path carefully, then jump in with both feet. So here I am: up in the air, looking down at the evaporating pool where I had expected to land.
 
It’s the uncertainty that hurts. Will we have a ride season, or won’t we? Will the medical system get overwhelmed – and if it does, should we refrain from riding, given the high-risk nature of our sport? How will the economic impact resound, and for how long? Will we come out of this with the jobs and homes and hay and lifestyles to which we’ve grown accustomed?
 
We simply don’t know. Maybe the containment and mitigation measures being taken will succeed, and the economy will right itself posthaste. Maybe not. Data models can speculate, laypeople can debate, but in the end, only time will tell.
 
It’s like looking out the window and watching your horse cross the paddock, still favoring that tendon he injured last fall. Will he recover fully, or is his endurance career a bust? We don’t know, so we wait, and the ball of anxiety in our stomach burns.
 
Life takes us there sometimes. To the place where there are no answers, no matter how badly we want them. A cancer diagnosis. A career disruption. A pandemic.
 
It’s something I’ve thought a lot about in recent months, this challenge of finding peace in the midst of uncertainty. I think there’s much to be said for the meditative practice of simply acknowledging, without judgement, what is. What is in the world. What is in our minds. And then (this is key), letting go of wishing things were different.
 
You can get redneck with this concept: Wish in one hand, shit in the other, and see which fills up fastest.
 
Or, you can put it as Buddha did: You can only lose what you cling to.
 
Either way, the idea is to get comfortable with being uncomfortable. To be okay with not being okay. To learn to rest in the wait.
 
That is a worthy goal, my friends. Something we can work on while we condition for rides that may or may not happen. A frame in which to collect the power of our restlessness.
 
So let go. Go ride.
 
Be grounded.
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Bittersweet

3/12/2020

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My first job was at a small, shabby horse farm in the valley below my childhood home. Its driveway peeled off from the corner of a gravel road lined with triple-strand hotwire paddocks, all nibbled bare and dotted with broodmares. The barn was creaky and drafty, with packed dirt aisles and a cloth-draped radio tuned to the country station. It smelled of shavings and Coppertox, of wool coolers and, when the wind blew west, the manure pile out back.

I remember the horses, each dished face with black globes for eyes. Each name and star and sock and personality, even the patterns they left in the stalls I cleaned day over day for a couple years between the ages of twelve and fourteen. I can still sing along about you and me goin’ fishin’ in the dark. I remember the mare that colicked and made me put my foot down with my mom for the first time, because I really could not leave her to go to my piano lesson, $60 paid in advance or not.
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Most of all, I remember the farm’s owner. She was short and craggy, with cropped hair dyed black and heavy makeup that sharpened her narrow eyes nearly as much as the suspicion that always lay behind them. I rarely saw her without bloodred lips. The lips almost never smiled.

Her name was not Mae, but let’s pretend.

Mae had a jovial husband, round in the belly and sad behind his grin. I saw him only occasionally, but he was always kind to me. I marveled to see him with Mae, because the pair of them were so different. He gentle and she harsh, he easygoing and she tense. Terse. Poised like a wire stretched too tight, clinging white-knuckled to her tough persona. I wondered, even then, then if it was all she had.

She loved her horses in the way hurting people do. In the way that says: you alone will not betray me. You are not my daughter who grew up and moved away and never calls. You are not the old husbands who cheated, the farmhouse falling down around my ears, the abusive parents, the unfair manager who cost me a career, the drunk driver who jabbed this endless pain into my spine.

I am guessing. Mae never told me her story. Not in words. But I worked for her long enough, well enough, that she sometimes let her armor slip aside. Beneath cowered a woman who wore Paloma Picasso and gave me a tiny bottle for Christmas. Who sold me a colt for less than he was worth, taught me to build his hindquarters and stand him up, paid for an overnight trip to Washington where he won Reserve Champion at the big Arabian show.

She gave me tea in her cluttered living room on rainy days, rasped in her smoker’s voice over the soap operas that were the anthem of her afternoons. She said little of substance, but the things she did not say told me her rocky exterior was only a dam of anger holding back a lifetime of tears.

I think of her in the hard times. How quick she was to wrath, how limited her capacity for joy. Her path, whatever came before, had left her all but devoid of any ability to trust. I think that’s why she liked me, and perhaps her husband, too. Our loyalty was simple. Consistent. It surprised her. It was the only thing that reminded her to smile.

The thing about hard times is that they end. Worst case scenario, they end because we’ve died. Best case, and most common, either we or events around us shift and the trail widens and we carry on. This is when we make our decisions:

What will we carry with us? The pain, or the healing? The betrayal, or the wisdom? The longing, or the truth? Will we come away with greater confidence than before, and with gratitude, because we have learned how strong we are?  Or will we be cut off, shut down, stolen away?

I saw Mae cry once. Several years after I stopped working for her, I dropped by her place to deliver a framed pencil drawing I’d done of the stallion Ben Bask. It was one of my better pieces. I have no idea why I wanted to give it to her, except that I thought she deserved to be remembered. To be thanked for teaching me ~ without knowing, through bad example ~ how I do not want to be.

She is probably dead now. Resentment like hers destroys body and soul before their time. But I am not afraid to hope (because that I what I do) that before the end she found another way, and didn’t let the winter take her after all.

Originally published in The Barb Wire, March 2013

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5 Top Books for Endurance Riders

2/19/2020

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After I learned that endurance riding was a thing, it took four years for me to actually get started. I spent the time reading everything I could get my hands on. That was back before the internet had much to say about distance riding, which meant I was ordering actual, paper books. I lost them all in a house fire in 2018. These are the first five that I replaced:
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PictureToo many rides together? America's Long Distance Challenge author Karen Bumgarner (left) and me at Owyhee Canyonlands in 2011.

​1. Go the Distance: The Complete Resource for Endurance Horses by Nancy S. Loving, DVM 

This book was my bible as I got started in the sport, and I still re-read it periodically. Written by a veterinarian and experienced endurance rider, it covers all the basics: horse selection, conditioning, nutrition, metabolic health, cooling strategies, hoof care, common mistakes to avoid, and more. Though originally published in 1997, it is extremely well written and the content holds up (even if the riders' clothing in some of the photos doesn't).

2. America's Long Distance Challenge II: New Century, New Trails, and More Miles by Karen Bumgarner

This is another comprehensive book about preparing for, and competing in, endurance distance rides. The author's endurance career began before AERC's current record book, which starts in 1985, and is closing in on 30,000 miles. I am eternally grateful to have had her as my mentor and can certainly vouch for her expertise. But don't take my word for it. As of this writing, her AERC record shows 368 endurance rides (including 44 hundred-milers) with only 12 pulls. Astounding.

​3. EMERGENCY! The Active Horseman's Book of Emergency Care by Karen Hayes, DVM

This unusual book is designed to guide you through helping your horse when no vet is available. The author provides brisk, precise instructions for how to respond to a colic, founder, laceration, heat exhaustion, choke, eye injuries, sudden lameness, and more while you work on locating a professional. I keep it in my truck for reference when I'm far from veterinary help. Sadly,  EMERGENCY is hard to find new, but you can still pick up a used copy for a song.

4. All Horse Systems Go: The Horse Owner's Full-Color Veterinary Care and Conditioning Resource for Modern Performance, Sport and Pleasure Horses by Nancy S. Loving, DVM

Note the author on this one. Yep, she's the same endurance-riding veterinarian who wrote Go the Distance. This book focuses on a wide spectrum of veterinary information, presented for the lay person, with an eye to the kinds of issues that matter most to distance competitors. The electronic copy is affordable, but I'd encourage you to track down a hard copy if you can. After the fire, I managed to get one on eBay for about $60. It's worth it for photos and easy reference.

5. The Horse's Mind by Lucy Rees

This book offers a fabulous treatment of equine psychology. The author covers everything from how the horse's sense organs function to why our equine partners behave as they do. My favorite section, "Horses and People," begins with a discussion of how horses perceive training. It's dense reading, but highly applicable to the ways we interact with our horses every day.


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Learning to Walk

2/17/2020

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I didn't go to any rides last year. I couldn't. I am going to tell you why.

My horse wasn't fit, because I wasn't fit to ride. There wasn't anything wrong with me, exactly, but everything was wrong around me. ​
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After nearly 15 years of my career (the kind that earns a living, not my endurance career), I found myself the target of a campaign to make me go away. It was about politics. It was about money. It was about a special interest group that didn't want me doing the job I was hired to do. 

Ugly doesn't cover it. Defamation ran rampant, culminating in accusations ranging from incompetence to illegal activity. Powerful people believed the story without checking the facts. 

I had my friends, of course. People who knew the truth. But there's no stopping a runaway train. 

It was't that I didn't ride. I did. I rode for hours. But my mare and I didn't condition. We walked.

Sometimes, I listened to music or a podcast. But mostly I just rode, shell-shocked, listening to the wind and feeling the sun and staring at a world that would never look the same.

A few years ago, I had a big, strong, fit horse. We were getting top-tens and BCs and completing hundreds. We had our eyes on Big Horn, then Tevis. Walking was not in our vocabulary. When forced by footing or slope to cool our heels, we did so with reluctance, gritting our teeth until we could fly again.

But last summer, I lacked the energy to trot, let alone compete. Slowly, mile by mile, month by month, I learned to let go of what should be and accept what is.

People don't always behave ethically. The truth doesn't always win. This ain't the movies, darlin', and sometimes the bad guys get their way.

Sometimes, walking is enough.

At Christmastime, I walked away. From the job, the lies, the money, the strain. I spent January in Death Valley, walking some more. Through slot canyons. Across salt flats and painted hills. Through the stunning debris left by waters that used to roar and now have gone.

Then I came home. And saddled my horse.

We trotted today, but it's early season and she hasn't done a 50 since late 2017. So we also walked. Down the hills, through the sand, up the steepest climbs. The wind sang. The sun embraced. And walking felt every bit as right as speed.

There's a saying that sticks in my head, repeating itself on a loop I need to hear: Light in the leg, soft in the hands; ride the horse and not your plans.

It's not just about horses, is it?

​It's about life.

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    Welcome

    Thanks for dropping by! I'm an endurance rider in the northwest region of the United States. This blog is about distance riding, training, and the practice of being my best self for my horse. I hope you'll come along for the ride.
    ​~ Tamara

    For more of my story, come visit the About page.

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    Aboard Jammer on our way to 100 miles at Oregon 100. Photo by Darlene Merlich

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