Going the distance

My mom has been working with her Paso Fino, Tsar, to get them both ready for Competitive Trail. Unlike Endurance riding, which is a race, Competitive Trail is based on the rider's interest in how best to condition and care for his horse under trail conditions. All of the horses are worked over the same course in the same amount of time giving a basis for fair comparison for determining the horses' soundness, condition, and manners. Timing and pacing are important; the winner is usually the one who rides a consistent pace rather than hurrying and waiting. No special breed of horse is necessary or favored. The most important requisite is a well-conditioned, well-mannered horse.

She has been riding every day and working with Tsar to get him into condition. During the weekend of 1/12, she is going to take him on her first 25 mile Endurance ride. Even though she is working up to Competitive Trail, the Endurance ride is going to be at Jennings Forest, which is only about an hour from us. We've ridden there numerous times, so she couldn't pass up the chance to see what her and Tsar could do.

I'm a little nervous because I've volunteered to crew for her and I've never done it before. From the research I've been doing on the internet, my main responsibilities will include cooling down the horse during the breaks, providing water and electrolytes to the horse during these breaks as well as whatever else my mom needs me to do to help her out during the ride. I've found out some good information and I plan on sitting down with my mom this weekend and working out everything that she will need me to do to help her. I'm still nervy about it though... hehe, it will be a learning experience for both of us.