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by Keri Libbe
Horseback riding, while not always a part of adventure
races, will be if the race location has access to horses that are suitable,
and a place to ride them. This is the event most teams have the least amount
of skill in. Most races in the Midwest use
Western–style riding equipment (like cowboys), versus English–style riding
equipment (like Prince Charles). Getting good instruction in either style is
what is important. The team that not only can ride but also understand horse
psychology will have the competitive edge.
The Basics
1. How to approach and lead a horse / basic
horse etiquette: Its customary to lead from the left side, you need to walk
level with the head (if you are in front the horse will follow you and so not
stop) and it’s best to turn them away from you, or they are likely to tread
on your feet.
2. Basic care and needs: preparing a horse for
riding, water requirements, hoof care, and overworking. The type of events
you will compete in will determine the level of care required.
3. How to saddle and bridle the horses, adjust
the stirrups and tighten the girth. (Most riding stables will do this for
you, but some races – as in one previous Eco-Challenge competitors had to
catch their own horses first and saddling them.)
4. Riding positions and basic control: basic
mounting and dismounting, signals for moving forward, turning, stopping and
backward movement. Both the position and pressure of your legs, plus guidance
from the reins directed the horse, so you use every bit of your body.
Don’t let anyone tell you it’s easy and the horse does
all the work.
5. Speed and other issues: feeling comfortable
riding a horse at a walk, trot (standing in the stirrups) and canter/gallop
(rarely used in Adventure Racing). Get a feel for how your horse moves so you
will be able to notice lameness or other potential problems.
a. How fast and far can they go? Trotting is a
horse’s jog – they can trot about 5 mph. Most races will forbid anything
faster. When a horse gets tired, like humans, it will slow down. Pay
attention.
b. How do you tell when they are overheating?
When a horse begins to sweat and “lather” you need to rest him. To cool him
off, apply tepid (NOT cold) water to his head, neck, legs and buttocks.
c. How do you stop a runaway horse? There are a
number of different answers – but the most common is to get the horse to slow
by turning it in tighter and tighter circles. To do this, reach down and pull
on one rein as you tell him to “whoa.” When asking your horse to stop, sit up
straight and deep in the saddle, give him enough rein to turn his head, pull
the rein back between your hip and knee, and look up. To help remind you to
give with the one rein, slide your hand forward and grab a chunk of mane.
d. Is there a right way to fall? Yes. A
controlled emergency dismount is the best. Drop the reins and grab mane hair.
At this point you will bring your torso down a bit so that you can thrust your
seat upward. Then while in this position swing your right leg over and then
push off the horse using your hands and left knee. Avoid sticking out your
arms or legs to soften the blow – they will most likely break in the process.
Horse psychology: do’s and don’ts.
a. Avoid sudden movement or approaching the
horse from behind. Always be aware of things around you – be prepared –
horses scare or “spook” easily, especially when they are not in their own
environments.
b. Use a soothing voice and talk to your animal.
Horses are like any other animal and respond to voice tone. Never yell at a
horse or wave your arms at the animal.
c. Keep the pace reasonable and safe for the
horses – walking or trotting. Watch for overheating.
d. Feeding / watering– horses eat when they
rest. You won’t typically be feeding the horses while they are racing.
Depending on the race, you may need to let the horses drink. Make sure the
water is clean, as directed by the stable management. Don’t let your horse
over drink, especially when they have just had a workout.
e. Avoid riding through tight places – between
trees, gates, etc. – horses won’t watch your legs and leave room for them –
there have been accidents where riders have be have been crushed against gate
posts, trees and other obstacles.
f. Avoid trying to get your horse to jump
anything!
g. Do not ride a horse with more than one rider.
h. Do not tie things on to the horse or saddle
unless properly instructed by stable management.
7. Clothing: Wear comfortable, durable clothes
you can move in and boots or high ankled shoes to
protect the rubbing on your ankles, especially if you are going to be on the
horse for a while. Bike shorts under pants will soften your ride.
Horse Strategy for Adventure Racing.
1. Consider the terrain – horses like trails.
They can’t cross swamps. If the route is not specifically laid out for you,
use your head when determining what is safe for you and the animal.
2.[/b] Let the horses establish who will lead – there is
typically a hierarchical arrangement. Place the slowest horse somewhere in
the middle – boldest in the lead and kicker in the back.
3. Ride/run configuration. If there are people
running while you are riding, the runners should be out to the front of the
horse where the horse can see them.
4. If there is any doubt about going over
something, passing traffic, going over a bridge, or anything else that could
“spook” your horse, get off and walk the animal through the questionable
situation.
5. Night riding – avoid shining lights in the
horses eyes or at shiny objects like signs, etc. that will spook the animal.
It is best to not use lights unless necessary. Horses see better
than we do at night and will see things we don’t that can spook them.
6. Determining who should ride. In general, if
all members are not required to ride, you would put either your best rider or
weakest runner on the horse, depending on the terrain and situation. Each
situation is different and the answer is not always clear cut. Think about
the situation and what is safest and best for the team, including the animal.
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