Originally posted to the EDRA Facebook page by Dennis Summers.
Since the beginning EDRA has always emphasized education, or spreading the knowledge. After all, most everything is more enjoyable when you do it well. Through the years there always seemed to be a real shortage of good info for the distance rider to sink their teeth into.
We are fortunate to have many EDRA riders with thousands of miles of experience willing to share their knowledge gained through the years. At each competition the Friday prior one of us host a clinic of some sort for any one interested to participate in. This coming Remarkable ride provides a unique opportunity as well as a challenge to this clinic concept-
It looks like we will host many riders who will be attending their first EDRA ride- a great opportunity! On the other hand we have to be very careful to minimize exposure to each other. Here is my remarkable clinic idea-
I have always felt that tense horses (and tense riders) are way less efficient, especially early in a ride. Often those first few miles it seems set the tone for the rest of the ride. So many things are adversely affected by tension-
– high head, which hollows the back which inhibits free, efficient movement and may contribute to a sore back down the road.
– an excited horse may not eat- drink as well or at least not at early as a relaxed horse.
-a tense rider may not get in sync with their horse as early and use much more energy with their muscles tense.
-overall it is just more efficient, safe and enjoyable if the horse and rider are relaxed and efficient, hopefully from the first steps on.
So! On the Friday afternoon prior I have organized any interested riders to join me in a group passing game ride. Anyone who has read my 4th gear book members this-
A group goes out on in this case a short ride. After a bit of warm up we pick up a relaxed trot single file. When all are relaxed we pick up an easy canter.
When all are relaxed the last horse in line slightly accelerates and passes the single file group and takes the lead. This process is repeated until all have passed and been passed.
How great and simple is that? Each horse is exposed to passing, getting passed, riding in the front, middle and rear! Now this sounds simple but for some riders (and horses) it may be beyond their comfort zone at this time. Especially in a strange environment the day before a competition. For those people I propose you consider this concept and take baby steps at home so that next time you will be able to participate with us.
For those of you who feel ready and want to participate let’s figure on a 3 pm Friday ride. It will be 3-4 miles max, enough to get that safe sweat, relax u and your horse and stimulate their eating- drinking. We have the perfect slight uphill dirt road right outside our door to ride on. The goal is for all to finish on a good note, ready for the competition the next day. If that means peeling off from the group because your horse is not relaxed and finishing alone that is great too. For me that last ride prior to a competition sets the tone for the next day. Let’s make it a good one!
We will strive to keep a horse length separation while riding which is around 6’ how perfect ( and safe) is that?
Giddyup!