Getting in shape

[Keket]

So here's my predicament. A year from now, I'm going to Spain for a seven day trip, five days of riding, about three or four hours a day. The tack and riding is English, but I ride Western. I know all the aids for walk/trot/canter (they're the same in both disciplines), I have good balance in a Western saddle at the walk/trot/canter, and I'm okay in a two-point position at the walk and trot in a Western saddle. I'm learning how to post with long stirrups. I take a one hour lesson, once a week on a horse that is very well trained both ways. So, my question is, how long before my trip should I switch to riding in an English saddle so that I'm in good condition for hacking in Spain?

[Grace O'Malley]

Why not start now? Once you feel like you're comfortable in the english saddle, there's no reason not to alternate...ride western when the mood hits, or english when you want to work on it.

Grace

[Keket]

I've considered switching now, but I'm working on getting my rider's certification in Western, and I'd like to get past at least level one, maybe level two as well before I switch.

[laura jeanne]

That's an interesting question and I really have no help but I'm wondering about going from one hour a week of riding to 5 days of several hours a day.

I'm wanting to go do something similar this fall but the most I've ridden is 2 hours at a time which doesn't bother me but the couple of times I have ridden longer I was mighty tired!

[Keket]

I'm not too worried. I'll probably be sore after the first day, but I think I'll be fine after that. Obviously, it's not four hours of schooling a day. Most of the riding is trail riding, which isn't usually too intense. :)