6 Weeks Before Race Day

We are ready to race, and I have earned my right to do so.  We have ridden in every weather imaginable.  We ride in the rain A LOT.  My horse is so fit, she pulls on me as she trots and canters through 18 miles without stopping.  I am dropping weight like crazy, as riding is a full body work out.  I am under 120lbs which I haven't seen for a while.  I'm not trying to lose weight, it's just happening.

I am taking a break this week.  My horse is the one who needs a break.  She too is dropping weight.  I called our Washington Endurance Rep to consult her on this.  They help with nutrition, conditioning and the rest of it.  This particular rep has completed Tevis and has done endurance riding for more than 20 years.  She is also a dressage instructor, best of both worlds.  She said all first year endurance horses get thin like mine.  We are doing everything right.  The next year she will put on a different layer of muscle and will look different than this year.  But, she won't lose her condition,  since she is a pasture horse if I break for a week and bulk up on feed.  So, we are doing that.  Crying shame too, it's supposed to be nearly up to 70 every day this week, I should be riding...but my horse needs a rest.  It would be good for my body to ride my other horse so I don't lose my own conditioning.

I think we are going to do awesome on our first race, I can't wait!  From now until race day...we are just maintaining.  She could do a 100 mile tomorrow she is that fit!

I have been through quite a lot to get to this point.  The competitive spirit in me is coursing through my veins.  My horse is the same way.  We are ready.  The counting down begins.