This information-packed international bestseller should be on every endurance and competitive trail rider's shelf. To spend hour after hour on the back of a horse is a dream come true for many riders. To ride for miles - 25, 50, or even 100 - on a fit horse, is an extremely satisfying experience, whether done in competition or just for pleasure. This thrill does not come easily, however; it requires immense dedication from the rider and a lot of hard work from the horse. No other equestrian sports demand such a continuous training effort as do endurance and competitive distance riding. To reach the highest level of the sports - competing in a 100-mile ride - requires years of careful conditioning. Even a 25-mile ride demands close attention to every nuance of a horse ' s being - during the many miles of work beforehand and during the competition itself. It is the horse ' s welfare that must come above all else. Topics covered include - Athletic Foot Care - Intelligent Nutrition - Conditioning Principles and Training Philosophy - Methods of Evaluating Fitness - Conditioning for Specific Terrain and Climate Factors - Cooling Strategies During Training and Competition - Evaluation of Metabolic Health and Soundness If you are an experienced long distance rider, Go the Distance is essential reading to improve your training and competitive skills. If you are thinking of trying endurance or competitive distance riding, this book will clearly and safely guide you and your horse along the miles.