2007 Archived Education Updates...

Endurance News is published monthly by the American Endurance Ride Conference. These 2007 articles were written with Endurance/Limited Distance in mind...the information provided is very important to the Sport of Long Distance Riding, Competitive Trail/Driving included! When you get a chance, visit www.AERC.org for more educational information~If a article interests you….click on the title!

Beyond The Basics Of Endurance Riding  By Terre O'Brennan (Jan07 EN)

You've done your homework, you've put in many miles of long slow distance, you've successfully completed a fair number of rides with your horse finishing in good shape -- you're ready to try to be a little competitive! What's the next step?

Ride smarter Before asking your horse to start working harder, perhaps it's only fair to ensure that you yourself are doing all you can to make a successful team. You can shorten your ride time considerably by riding smarter -- a wise way to begin riding faster. Analyze all the ways you "lose" time on the trail, and work to eliminate them.

If the tack fits...

Stocking The Equine Emergency Kit  By Ken Marcella, DVM (Feb07 EN)

We all know the value of anticipating problems and looking ahead, yet emergencies often catch us unprepared. Too few horsemen maintain adequate equine first-aid and emergency kits, and even those who have some supplies on hand do not routinely update them.

It is a good idea to have two emergency kits -- a complete one for the barn and a smaller one for the trailer or the trail.

A plastic container with a tight-fitting lid and a handle is all that is required -- a large fishing tackle box works well. Tape a list of the box's contents to the inside lid. This provides an easy-to-find checklist when updating and maintaining your kit. Remember that drugs and ointments have an expiration date. This is sometimes noted on the list as well, so the items can be replaced as needed.

Many people like to make a diagram of the items' locations within the box as well. When you are trying to calm your horse and hold pressure on a bad cut, you may not be able to tell a helper exactly where the needed supply is in the kit.

Not everyone will need or want to stock all the items listed. A good rule of thumb: keep only items you're comfortable using. No need to have epinephrine on hand if you are uncomfortable giving your horse a shot.

Certain skills, such as checking your horse's temperature and heart rate or wrapping a foot or leg, are required. If you don't know how, get your veterinarian to show you. Practice make perfect, and remember: it pays to be prepared.