In my quest to create the ultimate allrounder...

[IcarusGirl]

So far Icarus has done...

1. Showing
2. Gymkhanas
3. Showjumping
4. Been a lead rein childrens pony
5. Dressage
6. Hunter Trials
7. Happy Hacker
8. Hunting
9. Working Hunters

... all to a fairly reasonable consistancy at lower levels. Now I'm considering adding another string to his bow... I'm thinking to trying out ENDURANCE! Theres one in March, a proper endurance ride with vet checks and everything. I'mthinking of giving it a go, it's 20km, so not too far.

So what do we think? Am i brave or silly? :ashamed::lol:

[BEX101]

Go for it! How is the snow affecting his fitness though?

[IcarusGirl]

Well, we have til march and we often go for plods that long anyway. I just need to get him a bit fitter so that we can keep up! :lol:

We've got a sandschool to up his fitness and the endless south downs to practice on. So as long as it doesnt freeze up for too long, hopefully it should be more than acheiveable. He's no arab, but he's a very fit chappy!

[gem]

Definitely go for it! I'd love to try endurance with Saf one day. I did a little bit in Dubai and it was brilliant, if not completely knackering!

[CityLights]

My old Appy mare had done literally everything, she was excellent at Endurance, she did all the usual showing jumping XC dressage etc and i also trained her western and she was an awesome reining horse

[clippi]

You certainly don't need an Arab for that distance
My top tips
Work on getting a consitent speed (a nice steady trot) you need to be averaging at least 6mph (which is what an average horse trots at), lots of changes of gate is tiring.
Get your neddy used to trotting up on a loose rein - there is nothing more annoying for the vet if they can't see the horses stride because they are being dragged along by the owner
Get then used to having their HR taken
Get used to taking neddy's HR yourself, it needs to be under 64bpm by the time you present to the vet (you have 30 mins to present from finishing the ride)
Get neddy cool with sloshing but don't let him get cold it puts up the HR - so take a selection of rugs

And most importantly enjoy it