The promise of today was for rain, so I awoke early and tacked up. I wanted to try out the "go fast" track I found before the rains made the going sticky. It was a 20 minute walk hack to the track and there it was, exactly as I remembered.
We did almost the same conditioning set I ended with last year:
5 minute trot
2 minute walk
5 minute trot
2 minute walk
5 minute trot
3 minute walk
3 minute canter
3 minute walk
3 minute canter
3 minute walk
3 minute canter
Brego ended the last canter in a gallop because I love pushing him when he is tired to see if there is any gas left in the tank, as in, could he still save my butt on the last fence of xc. The answer, today, was "Hell, Yea!" He was blowing and I wouldn't want him coming off a course any more tired than that, but after a recovery, we ran around some more on a sand track nearby. So Brego is officially "Beginner Novice" fit. He can certain go around any of the local schooling show tracks.
I am not sure why he is so fit, considering his still rather portly size. Maybe the near continual turnout in deep snow over the winter kept his heart and lungs going. Maybe horses don't lose fitness as quickly as people. Speaking of, I am hurt, hurt, hurt. My left ankle and right knee were very angry about the amount of two point today. I MUST get more fit for my horse.
Anyway, after the conditioning set, about 45 minutes, we rode up the power lines, to the top of a large hill to see what we could see. We saw about 10 miles north to the state park and about 5 miles south. One continuous trail.
With so much good riding around here, I have made it a mini-goal to get Brego "Novice" fit by Fox hunting season (cubbing starts in August). Thanks to fox hunting last year, he ended Novice fit, but I want to see if I can get him there without the external stimulation and inspiration of following the hounds. That is, can we have the discipline to condition like we should all summer.
All in all, a 2.5 hour ride, lots of go fast, lots of hills, and now lots of ibuprofen for Daun. Brego got bonus hay and I am phasing more feed into his diet. He is certainly going to need it.
Posts
