Originally posted to the EDRA Facebook page by Dennis Summers.
We were up pre riding the Loup Race trail the other day. Although training I tend to stay aboard more than racing there were places on the trail I would get off and run down or tail up. For me it is good to know a trail a bit, otherwise race day I am getting off to run down a hill that levels off right around the corner or the other extreme- staying aboard on an up that looks short but goes on and on.
Anyway this prompted the idea to have a short session Friday prior to the Loup Race on tailing. I want to include a bit about walking- running the downs as well since I think both are 2 critical parts of a critical component of distance riding- saving horsepower for later in the race.
It is obvious that tailing saves horse by having him pull u up the hill rather than carrying u. Imagine how much a horse can pull with a cart. What would happen if u put that kind of weight on his back? Same theory. Now how can walking- running downs, esp. hard downs save horse? Well for me often as not a first sign of let up for one of my horses on a long, tuf race is a slight reluctance to move freely down hill or to hunt the soft shoulders rather than beginning to let up on the uphills. By getting off on the downs early that reluctance to move freely downhill can be delayed or eliminated.
Ok, already to much yak here. My intent mentioning this is for anyone interested in the Loup tailing- walking-running downhill session to prep a bit. A couple things will help-
– u need your horse comfortable with u both leading on foot in front of him without him stepping on u as well as leading alongside. Time doing above first in a relaxed setting- maybe first in an arena and progressing to his familiar trails alone. U are the trainer here, use yer noodle on how to progress.
-u need to have him comfortable with u behind him pulling on his tail without him either running away or tattooing u. Same deal here- slowly progress by first maybe while he is eating hay or grain and is distracted work your way along his sides with yer hand on him til u have hold of his tail, wiggle it a bit and such. Again, u are the trainer here- use yer noodle. Eventually have him pulling u around in a familiar setting relaxed before trying out.
-I guess a third thing to work on is getting yourself comfortable walking- running downs and tailing ups. Done well both require less effort and aerobic effort than u might think. Even still a bit of effort and practice will make above much easier- hey, if it was easy everyone would be doing it!
Anyone paying attention knows I always, always race with a pony rope attached to the bottom ring of the halter- bridle and carried in my left hand. When racing I can’t take the time to u snap my rein on the off side and such- to slow. I guess at a slower pace it would be ok- maybe try both and see what works for u. My pony rope has a snap on one end, a loop big enuf for my hand to fit in on the other end and long enuf to do that I can have a bit extra while tailing with my horses head long, low and str8 ahead.
Practice some, we will be doing the session on the ski hill out front of camp so if yer horse gets away and makes a scene the whole world will see it! Imperation enuf to practice prior?
So, prep a bit for this and see u 2pm Friday prior to the Loup Race and we will go over above. If anyone is interested after we can do a short pre ride- like at Sand Canyon. The group at Sand Canyon was impressive- on the short 2 mile uphill portion we –
-easy cantered in a group
– each horse passed the entire group at an easy canter
-each horse allowed to be passed at an easy canter
-the passing game was done to perfection exposing all to the concept of passing, getting passed, leading, following, riding in the middle of a group- all at speed! A great tool for your racing toolbox!
It’ the EDRA way- good horses+good information=great results. How can it be any other way?
Beeee thereeee!