I'm kind of bamboozled saying this as I've lamented all winter long that I have no ride time...the sun was out today, beautiful perfect day, and I passed on the ride. Phebes already had 23 miles this week, and as I plan to put another 20-25 under her on Saturday I decided to just back off a little and allow her muscle, tendons, and hydration some relief for a few days. It seems alright to me to challenge her body with training, but I have to remember to allow for rest too. If my body is still "sore" in places, then what about the horse who carried me? So Phebes will be off today, and again tomorrow and Thursday. Friday I'll again do a short hill session at pleasure speed. Just a loosen things up ride. Then we will hit the trails on Saturday and see if Phebes can cover the distance in five hours + an hour hold at the ten mile point. If that is successful, we will go back to 3 X per week training with 2-5 mile rides, and 1-10 mile ride each week until the Chicken Chase. The shorter rides I will work at sustained trotting, and the longer ride I will continue working at a gradual increase in speed over a fairly flat course. The XYZ at Versailles would be good for that, by walking until we clear the tunnel for warm up, trotting and cantering XYZ until we are back at the tunnel (this tunnel crosses under a highway), and then walk back in for a cool down. We will continue to train barefoot with the exception of Henryville.
My saddle has put sore spots on the upper inside aspect of my knees where the skirt of the saddle comes to an edge. I can see this being a real issue for me going forward with training. It occurs at the posting trot. Not sure what to do about it??? I've also worn two holes into the cordura under skirting of my saddle already. One where my leathers swipe across the cordura and the other where the cinch ring is. This saddle is only a few months old...and I'm wearing the sucker out! Currently I've wrapped the leathers with good old duct tape for a slicker slide, and put duct tape over the hole under the cinch ring. I do know that I can't possibly replace this saddle anytime this season so I'd better suck it up and figure out a way to address the issues. Tired out and heading to bed really early tonight. Phebes is out in the barn stuffing her little face. ~E.G.
Sounds more my speed- I often think of the equine first, then myself!
ReplyDeleteWish I were nearer- sounds like we would have a blast together...
...How's Nicole lately?...
Do you use half chaps? They would help.
ReplyDeleteIt is higher than half chaps, above the crease of the knee, on the inside aspect of the leg.
ReplyDeleteNicole is still "mending" guess she had a doozy of some virus or other. ~E.G.
You should not be gripping with your knees. Only above the knees. This is where lessons would come in handy. Or maybe it's the way your saddle is made. I would think about if your gripping with your knees or lower legs for balance OR if you think it's the way your saddle is and dont' want to buy another a sheepskin cover may help.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Detmer
I re-read your blurb. It does sound more like it may be your saddle. I wonder if a sheepskin cover would help. If you want you can borrow mine, its a full cover that goes all the way down to the stirrups. If you do want to borrow it, you should use it for this saturday doing the 25 miles. The only problem is it's here at my house in Union, KY. If you want to come get it you can. I don't think I will be doing any more 25 mile rides for a little while, and that's only when I really need it. I can ride without it on the shorter rides I plan to do these next couple weeks. Email me at my juno account if your interested.
ReplyDeleteMichelle Detmer