Endurance And Competitive Trail Riding

Recently updated and extended, Trail Riding joins the experience and enthusiasm of equestrian Micaela Myers with the wisdom of Horse Illustrated to bring this definitive guide to beginning trail riders. The book covers the fundamentals of America's #1 equestrian pasttime;from picking out the right gear and training your horse for the trail to planning your jaunt and learning proper trail manners. Complete with step-by-step instructions, countless tips, full-color photos, and an easy-to-use glossary, this guide takes the guesswork out of trail riding.

Provides advice on various aspects of trail riding, with information on selecting and caring for a horse, equipment, health problems and injuries, and descriptions of several specific rides.

Experience the sheer joy of being one with your horse and one with nature. When you're riding the trails with your horse, you enjoy a refreshing feeling of freedom, the exhilaration of exploration, and an invigorating escape from the demands of the day. You're in control--as long as you can control the 1,000-pound creature you're riding. Trail Riding: A Complete Guide takes you from the basics to more advanced trail riding skills with information on: * How to choose a horse, including basics on conformation * Finding the best trail-riding lessons, tack, and equipment * Feeding, care, grooming, health care, and stable management * Conditioning--for the horse and yourself * Trailering to trails * Advanced trail riding, including information on camping with your horse, how competitive trail riding is judged, and racing on the trail * Tips on how to find the best trails, both locally and around the country This book helps you develop the knowledge and skills that will give you a leg up every time you climb in the saddle. You and your horse will become the perfect pair for relaxing yet energizing adventures off the beaten path.

Saddle up for a soul-satisfying ride through the great outdoors. Whether you’re headed out on a quiet country road, a beautiful beach, or a challenging mountain trail, this comprehensive guide has you covered. With tips on what to look for in a trail horse, choosing appropriate gear, and what to pack, you’ll also find techniques for training your horse to handle different terrains and how to deal with unexpected situations. Enjoy a special bonding experience with your horse as you explore nature’s beauty together.

Discusses the history of trail riding, and covers topics such as training, equipment, competition rules, breeds, and long distance events.

Karen Bumgarners Americas Long Distance Challenge fills a long overdue need within the sport of distance riding. It makes it clear that being a successful endurance competitor is more complex that simply running your horse as hard as possible..she does an excellent job of showing that the proper care, conditioning and concern for the horse the hallmark of the good competitor and the sport itself. Kerry J Ridgeway, DVM past Chairman of the AERC Veterinary Advisory Board

Are you totally obsessed with horses? Or want to be? This book takes you deep into one rider's life behind the glamorous scenes of the televised equine world into the dirt, grit, grime and fun of endurance and competitive trail riding. It's a fresh look at the thrill of being part of a sport that is rarely heard of and never televised. The spunk and tenacity of the riders and their horses sparks a thrill in any reader, begging them to go out and buy a horse, a beat up saddle and get started on their own thrilling adventure. This book, part one in a series, encompasses the riding years of 2005 and 2006. Quickly addictive, a warning label should be attached to the outside binder letting the readers know that they should beware of the humor, fun and giggles contained inside. If you have no interest in rolling on the floor in gut busting laughter, you should not engage in reading this book.

First Star to the Right and Straight on Till Morning.... At the 90-mile vet check she sat in the middle of the road crying, claiming extreme illness and trying to avoid her nightmarish fears her horse would die of founder or colic, or anything. The last ten miles of trail stretched forever in her mind, black like licorice taffy. After a large measure of TLC from her patient and understanding crew, she and the gelding were out of the check and on the trail again. The entire universe shrank to center on the pair in the moonlight. Time stopped and the world faded into nothingness. They were running in a small, ever-changing pocket of existence, the rhythm of his hooves, the heartbeat of that universe. Ribbons and trail appeared before them and lost substance as they moved past. For the rider, clinging to the saddle, there was no thought, no pain, no emotion, only the instinctive drive to chase past each ribbon as it appeared. Suddenly her horse jumped sideways, eyes and ears frozen forward. Awakened from her trance, she oriented herself on his suspected woods troll, a familiar embankment that meant they were a half-mile from home. Easing him past the scary object, she sent the gelding on, clinging to his neck. As his soft lope swept them across the finish line, she wanted to laugh out loud or cry, but was unable to summon the strength for either. A few small tears trickled down her cheek, the only sign of the enormous pride she felt inside. Becky Huffman Endurance rider, wife, mother of two, and student of author Donna Snyder-Smith The Howell Equestrian Library

In this manual Nancy Loving explains everything a rider needs to know, from selecting a horse and investing in equipment to evaluating fitness and nutrition. There is information on: athletic foot care; intelligent nutrition; conditioning principles and training philosophy; methods of evaluating fitness; conditioning for specific terrain and climactic factors; cooling strategies during training and competition; and evaluation of metabolic health and soundness. The work should help experienced long-distance riders improve their training and competitive skills, as well as guide anyone who is thinking of trying long-distance riding.