Show notes
Recently I asked listeners how they get their horse in condition, or legged up, after a winter's layoff. It's been a long, cold, and wet winter in much of the country. Here in California, we had snow in the nearby mountains and, as I write this, it's Memorial Day weekend. We have only used our horses a few times in the last several months. With peak riding time around the corner, it's time to get your horse "legged up".
Sam Finden lives in Townsend, Montana working, riding horses, and writing novels. I asked listeners how they get their horse in condition, or legged up, after a winter's layoff. An avid hunter, Sam uses his horses to ride and pack in on his hunting trips. He starts with short trips at the beginning of the season. Sam works his horses up to peak condition for rifle season in the fall.
Sam Finden's Advice to Legging Up Your Horse- Keep it a positive experience. Your horse would rather sleep in instead of work.
- Start with groundwork 15-20 minutes to get their bodies and mind back thinking about you.
- After groundwork use short rides at the walk and trot to help both horse and rider get in shape.
- Pay attention to your tack. Your horse's weight and body condition may have changed over the winter. Make sure your tack is in good conditions and still fits properly.
We've invited Sam on the show twice before. He knows how to tell a story. After he published his first novel, Saddle My Good Horse, we talked about Sam's journey to Montana. We caught up to Sam a few years later and talked about his horses and his writing. You can see more of Sam's work at Samfinden.com
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John & Ranae Episode #145