One of the characteristics of an experienced endurance rider or competitive trail rider is not just expert knowledge of the terrain, but the ability to gauge the terrain and make decisions about the appropriate speed for the terrain. This ability is vital in determining how not just to win on speed, but to win on...Read More

That competitive edge. It might look different for different disciplines, but this intangible has its roots in the same concept: conditioning. In short, conditioning develops the musculoskeletal, neurologic, and cardiovascular systems so they can perform athletic endeavors with the greatest efficiency and the least stress on the body.Read More

I don’t know about all of you but when the weather is this lovely, I want to ride, ride, ride!Read More

Training the horse to use the specific muscles and systems involved in the sport in which the horse competes, while considering the individual horse's fitness level, are two additional principles of conditioning to consider as you work with your horse.Read More

March has started with a BANG! There are rides every weekend or so it seems, the weather is near perfect, horses are full of spring silliness and the flowers and trees are blooming. Spring is in the air!Read More

Would you knowingly ride a lame horse? Few people would, yet in a recent study, scientists found that nearly three-fourths of study horses had significant motion asymmetry, confirmed by motion analysis.Read More

Learn how to prevent soreness in your horse on all-day rides with these expert guidelines. Plus: Rider-soreness prevention tips.Read More

Endurance riding can be an intimidating equine sport. After all, the shortest distance offered is 25 miles long. But a grassroots effort has been growing for the past few years to help the newest riders to learn the sport...Read More

It is not uncommon here in the southeast to find potluck dinners at rides. Sometimes the Ride Manager will plan a potluck for one night of a multiday. Sometimes the riders get together and have one on a smaller scale.Read More

The excitement of going to a ride and having a great weekend with your horse adventuring down the trail is a big part of the reason why we love the sport of distance riding. One big component of the ride experience that can often times be overlooked by the thrill of the ride is the...Read More