December 7, 2008 Post Ride Check

Phebes did some really rough terrain yesterday. Slick and hazardous downhills, trecherous uphills. We did not increase distance yesterday but we did ride a very technically challenging trail. We did some free longing in the big oval pen, and her trot was fluid, and smooth. She did not show evidence of muscle soreness even though she really used those big hind muscles yesterday. The only concern of her ride yesterday was a result of her refusal to drink on trail or out of the bucket. I had these same issues with her mother, so I'm going to have to take the time out to smell the roses and get her drinking. Usually 12-15 miles gets her thinking about water, but I'd like to see her take better care of herself. She wasn't dehydrated, but still, drinking and peeing are good things. This was only her 7th trip down the road to trails outside of the farm here, so I expect these things will take time. She's really trimmed down with the new feed and regular exercise. Calling it a weekend ~Endurance Granny