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The following schedule for conditioning is based on 6 weeks work for a ride of 25 to 30 miles at moderate speed - about 10 minutes per mile.The horse used would have been ridden previously about two to three days a week at pleasure paces. Since each horse fits up differently and each rider has different times available to train - this schedule is a base to work from adjusting it to fit a specific horse and rider.

• 1st week -Ride your horse about one hour 5 or 6 days a week start slowly- take it easy. Begin to explore different routes. Concentrate on your tack.  Does it fit you and the horse?

• 2nd week -Increase your riding time about one-half hour. Begin to slow trot first part of week - by the end of week trot almost half the time. Find some obstacles to cross. Creeks, hills, marshy places - these will all be met on the rides. You should ride a 5 mile circle at this time. Always walk the last half-mile home. (I walk on my own feet and lead the horse.) Don't go very fast yet.

• 3rd week -Ride 1 to 2 hours a day 5 or 6 days a week. Although the trot is the main endurance gait it doesn't hurt to canter to break the monotony and/or build wind.Begin to watch timing. Trot 10 minutes by the watch without stopping.  Look at your mount, he should be shaping up - a different animal from the one your started with. Toward the end of the week do a five-mile circle in less than one hour or 6 miles in an hour and 10 minutes.

• 4th week - Ride 5 days a week for not less than an hour. Extend the trot push on and take each ride with a little more speed - lots of fast trotting. Try to find a place where you can canter your horse until he is blowing, then slow down to a driving trot, then slow trot - walk -taking time to gear down. See how quickly the horse recuperates. Ride15 miles once this week. Have shoeing done for the ride.

• 5th week -Ride 4 to 5 days this week. Take a 15-mile ride in one hour and 30 minutes. Trot fully extended beside a car for a mile. Are you going 10 mph or over?  Walk a measured mile - Aim to do it under 18 minutes.Be sure you have a good organized routine for cooling out your horse.

• 6th week -During the first part of this week take 10 miles in one hour and40 minutes. You are almost there so don't do anything risky - there's no time to heal up now. Do your 6-mile circle in an hour. Take it easy the day or two before the ride itself. Either turn the horse into the pasture or walk for a leisurely hour's ride. Ride hard only four days this week. Good Luck!