How to Train for Ride and Tie

Ride and tie is the sport that combines trail running with endurance riding. Teams of two people and one horse cover anywhere from 20 to 100 miles with the humans alternating running and riding in a leap-frog fashion. Ride and tie is fun and invigorating, but it is important to adequately train and prepare.

Things You'll Need

  • Comfortable running and riding attire
  • Comfortable running shoes
  • Saddle
  • Saddle pad or blanket
  • Bridle
  • Additional tack
  • Grooming tools and hoof pick
  • Horse hay, grain and supplements
  • Vehicle and horse trailer, or other means of transportation
  • Water and feed buckets
  • Hay net
  • Emergency horse boots and first-aid kit
  • Electrolytes for horse and humans
  • Snacks and water for humans
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Instructions

  1. Training for the Horse

    • 1

      Train your horse to stand tied calmly. This is the most important part of the ride and tie training for the horse.

    • 2

      Practice tying your horse to different objects such as secure posts, trees and even shrubs.

    • 3

      Ask other riders to ride past your horse while it is tied. Have them start by walking past, then trotting and finally cantering past. The goal is for your horse to remain calm and wait for you to come get it.

    • 4

      Take your horse to new locations where it's in the company of other horses. Try local group trail rides, clinics and similar events.

    • 5

      Condition your horse for endurance riding. Begin with shorter trail rides and gradually increase distance. Ride in different locations with varied terrain.

    • 6

      Trot and canter your horse for longer periods as it continues getting in shape.

    Training for the Human

    • 7

      Find a training partner or partners. Ideally you will train with your racing partner as well as one or two additional teams. This way, you can have your own practice races, benefiting both humans and horses.

    • 8

      Condition yourself for endurance running. Begin by walking, building up to distances of at least 1 mile and up to 5 or 6 miles. Alternate periods of jogging and walking. Gradually increase periods of jogging and running. For more advice on training for endurance running, see "Resources" below.

    • 9

      Condition yourself for endurance riding. Gradually increase the amount of time you spend in the saddle, and practice riding in a variety of conditions and over a variety of terrain.

    • 10

      Start alternating periods of walking/running and riding so you get used to going straight from one activity to the other.

    • 11

      Familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of ride and tie, which you can find at the Ride and Tie Association website (see "Resources" below).

    • 12

      Find a ride and tie mentor and attend a few practice races so both you and your horse can get used to the racing environment and routines.

    • 13

      Keep yourself in good health, getting plenty of rest, eating a healthy diet and exercising wisely.