10/19/2024
Q: How many runs/fast works or sprints do you do per week?
A: I will usually slow work one a few times, and then high lope through, then correct whatever needs correction. Usually not more than one highlope through per day, unless working on something specific and if I’m high loping through at all… it’s on very good ground. Im not really asking for speed, just want them to gain muscle memory also.
Q:How do you gauge this fitness and how do you judge building up younger horses to their peak making more runs and entries vs not over doing it?
A: I don’t think I’ve ever had a problem “overdoing” it because my horses are very engaged and calm. It’s a job for them, just like it is for me. I also hardly ever ride more than 30 min (unless an issue) because I feel you can’t have a sharp mind and body for more than that. If they are too physically tired to do what I’m asking, I don’t need to be training on them, I find a place to stop, and end on a good note. I do think once they are in good shape (I generally ride 5x per week) the only way to get fit to run, is to make a few runs.
Q: How do you judge what a horses top potential will be once they are making runs?
A: I want my horses to be within a second off when I start to enter them. I judge it by the run, if I’m a second off with mistakes… I have room to make up and that horse should make. If it’s perfect and I’m a second off… I judge mental capacity; to see if they might mature into it. Some horses just won’t make 1D horses, and they all have their place.
Q:How long do you give them to see if X horse will be 1D vs 2-3D?
A: I usually have a good feel pretty quick. Sometimes I will give them more time if I see a lot of potential, but the good ones will always find a way to win, not find every excuse to lose.
