In this manual Nancy Loving explains everything a rider needs to know, from selecting a horse and investing in equipment to evaluating fitness and nutrition. There is information on: athletic foot care; intelligent nutrition; conditioning principles and training philosophy; methods of evaluating fitness; conditioning for specific terrain and climactic factors; cooling strategies during training and competition; and evaluation of metabolic health and soundness. The work should help experienced long-distance riders improve their training and competitive skills, as well as guide anyone who is thinking of trying long-distance riding.