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Long distance riding is a discipline
that is becoming increasingly
popular as a
way of experiencing
areas of countryside on
horseback, but it can put the
horse under the extremes of
physical endurance
in sometimes appalling conditions.
A wide cross-section of breeds are used for long
distance including:- Arabs,
Anglo Arabs,
Appaloosas,
Cobs and
Thoroughbreds, and
both horse and rider need to
be very fit to undergo the stresses
of
the ride.
There are a range
of distances which can be covered, the short
distance
fun rides
organised
by local
riding clubs
will usually
be under
15 miles. The recognised long
distance rides are the Bronze
which covers
15 - 20 miles, the Bonze Buckle
covering 30 miles, the Silver
Stirrup over
50 miles and,
the Golden
Horseshoe which covers
100 miles of
varied terrain, in darkness
as well as daylight.
It does
tend to be the shorter distance rides, under 15 miles,
which present
more problems
to horses
due to the
fact that
riders are
often novices to the hazards
of long distance riding.
In all classes
the
main problems arise due
to tiredness in both horse and
rider. The
riders need
to be very
fit themselves
and,
should use
jogging, cycling
and swimming on a regular
basis to achieve their peak
fitness
before entering rides
over 15 miles.
The horse
must be exercised
on roads
to increase his fitness
and stamina, but should equally
be kept supple,
using schooling
on
the flat. When
only roadwork is emphasised,
the
horse becomes hard muscled,
but loses
his range of tolerance to
cornering and is more
likely
to strain
the muscles
through the
spine and hindquarters.
In
the advanced rides, the
terrain the horse is expected
to cover,
will include
roads,
stones, hard rocks,
soft sand, bog, water
and even swimming: they
may also be expected to
slide down hills of
10 - 15000ft. This mixed
terrain over long distances
will cause
the horse
to tighten up in the withers
and behind the saddle. Sliding
down
hills can
result in pelvic
problems,
due to the angle
the horse
is descending
and the obvious tension
in the shoulder region,
which
may even
result in
forelimb lameness.
On rides over
40 miles
the
horse
is more likely
to show signs of fatigue,
muscle cramps and at worst
azoturia
or "tying
up".
As with other
disciplines, the tack used
is of great
importance,
but
taking into
account
the
length of
time the tack will
be worn on long
distance rides, it is essential
that it is regularly checked
throughout the ride.
In
the advanced
stages some horses
will lose weight,
so the girth and breastplate
must be checked at intervals
and numnah
changed to provide extra
padding under
the saddle by the end of
the ride.
As minimal rubbing
from bridles is an advantage,
the horse
may have the
noseband
removed,
or hackamores are often
used. The
rider will
also have a direct affect
on the horse over long
distances if they have a tendency
to ride
with unequal stirrup leathers,
or are compensating
for their own back pain
in the riding position.
Chiropractically, both horse and rider will benefit
from
regular
treatment
to allow
them to compete
in long distance
rides,
which will act on
a preventative level to
ensure peak performance
in such enduing
conditions.
Any falls
or injuries incurred
on
the ride may
also benefit from chiropractic
treatment, after a vet
has assessed the horse
and considers
the
treatment to be
suitable.
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