The Making of a Tevis Horse: An Interview with Layne and Atlas
What does it take to get a good prospect to the starting line of the famed Western States 100 Mile Trail Ride? I sat down with Atlas and his owner, Layne Lewis, to ask.
Endurance Riding
Ride Report: 2024 Strawberry Fields Forever Endurance Ride
Atlas leaned back on his hindquarters. I gave him his head, and his forelegs dropped over the steep ledge. The rocks shifted on the slope, but held. His hind end caught up just in time to make a sharp turn, ducking around a switchback and under a branch. Trees crowded the trail, forcing me to …
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Heat Acclimation for Equestrian Endurance Riders
Heat acclimation is a tool used by all kinds of athletes to improve their ability to perform in hot and/or humid conditions. Endurance riders can benefit from it as well. Here’s what you need to know.
Ride Report: 2024 Mary & Anna Memorial 100
In preparation for Tevis, Atlas and I took on the 100-miler at Mary & Anna Memorial 2024. His performance? Stellar! Except for that one thing…
Endurance Rider Fitness for the Western States 100 Mile Trail Ride
There isn’t a world in which riding Tevis will be easy. However, there absolutely are ways I can prepare my body and mind for the challenge. In following along, you’ll pick up some strategies you can apply to your own endurance riding readiness. Even if you’re starting at a different level or shooting for a different endurance riding goal, the concepts still apply.
Recovery Strategies for Returning to Endurance Riding after Injury or Surgery
After two spinal fusion surgeries, endurance rider Layne Lewis shares her recovery strategies for returning to the saddle.
An Equestrian Endurance Rider Returns to the Sport after Spinal Fusion for Spondylolisthesis
“Back surgery felt like a death sentence. I didn’t know if I would come out in a wheelchair, or unable to ride.” Equestrian endurance rider Layne Lewis took on a devastating diagnosis and difficult recovery to return to riding 100’s in less than a year.
Upper Crossed Syndrome in Equestrian Endurance Riders
We all take a bad ride photo now and then. But what if we consistently notice a jutting head and slouchy spine? It could be Upper Crossed Syndrome, which affects not only riders, but horses as well.
Do I Need a Crew for Equestrian Endurance Riding?
Can you ride endurance without crew? Absolutely! However, you might prefer to have one. Let your values and skill sets help you decide.
Visceral+ by Mad Barn: Can This Ulcer Supplement for Horses Support Natural Healing?
Equestrians live in fear of gastric ulcers, and for good reason. Incidence and recurrence rates are high. Can Visceral+, an ulcer supplement for horses, support natural healing?