Q&A    Questions and Answers:

QUESTION:

 Don't you ever get sore when you ride for a long time?

Actually, I never have gotten sore. Tired, yes, but not sore. I think it's a result of at least four things:

• Good riding technique and posture. Keeping the heels down, pushing the chest slightly forward, and a slight forward-and-back motion at the hips all combine to take a lot of the impact out of the ride.
• Finding a saddle that fits you and the horse. With all due respect to the mail-order folks, I can't imagine how you can buy a comfortable saddle sight unseen. I tried more than two dozen saddles (and rejected many more just by looking at them) before I found the right one for Willy and me. A Western saddle is designed to be a cowhand's mobile office, and - when properly fitted and adjusted - it should be at least as comfortable as any secretary's chair.
• Common sense about how much you and your horse can take. I like to pull up every 15 or 20 minutes to give myself and my mount a break. You wouldn't like it if I made you carry a 20-pound sack for 10 or 15 miles without a break. That's what you're asking of your horse on just an easy afternoon's ride. Being considerate of your horse will benefit both of you. (By the way, except on a forced march, U.S. Cavalry regulations called for ending a day's ride after 20 to 25 miles, depending on terrain.)
• Staying in shape. If your body - especially your legs - is in good shape, you are much less likely to suffer from sore muscles the next day.

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   COPYRIGHT © 1999 BOB LEMEN, GRAND RAPIDS, MINNESOTA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
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