From Pony Club to 160km Rides – Endurance Insights with Linda Cowperthwaite
In Episode 26 of the Just Horse Riders Podcast, host Aaron Englander sits down with the remarkable Linda Cowperthwaite – a veteran endurance rider with four decades of experience, a knack for horse training, and even a surprise royal encounter under her belt.
Meet Linda: 40 Years in the Saddle (And Counting)
"My name is Linda Cowperthwaite, and I started endurance riding about 40 years ago," she begins. What started as a simple pleasure ride with her pony has since blossomed into a lifelong passion, taking her around the globe and straight into the heart of the endurance riding community.
How It All Started: A Flooded Stream and a Hooked Rider
Linda's first endurance experience involved a flooded stream and a sense of adventure you can’t teach. “I was totally hooked. I was just like, that was totally off the scale,” she recalls. It's the kind of story that reminds us all why we fall in love with riding in the first place.
Training Horses to Pee on Command (No, Really)
Yes, this actually came up—and it's not as bizarre as it sounds. Linda explained that her aunt taught their horses to pee on command. "One, it brings heart rate down... and horses trot better than if they had a full bladder." Honestly, genius. Add that to your training schedule.
Royal Encounters and Muddy Boots
What do endurance riding and King Charles have in common? Apparently, Linda. She had a spontaneous conversation with the King at Royal Windsor, complete with her muddy boots and waterproof coat. “I met King Charles, which was totally out of the blue,” she laughs. You can’t script this stuff—watch now to hear the full story.
What It Takes to Ride 160km
Endurance riding isn't just a long hack. Linda breaks down what it takes: “One star is 100km, two star is 120km, and three star is 140-160km. 160 is our championship distance.” And no, that’s not split across a week—that’s in one day.
The Ultimate Bond: Rider and Horse
“In all my hundred miles I've done, I remember them all,” Linda shares. “And those horses have all been so special. And it's the ultimate bond.” If that doesn’t give you goosebumps, check your pulse.
Creating the Next Generation of Endurance Riders
Linda’s passion now extends to educating young riders through mock vet checks, ride planning activities, and interactive learning. It's equal parts inspiring and adorable—“We had a bit of a mock bucket for the horses to look in, which they went in there. Just disappointment.”
Let’s Talk Tech: GPS, Heart Monitors, and Ride Plans
Gone are the days of guessing your pace. Linda uses a GPS watch with real-time speed and distance metrics, helping to refine her ride plan. “If you've got your ride plan, you've got, yes. This is within my horse's capabilities.”
Vet Checks and Metabolic Fitness
Endurance isn't just about speed—it's about smart pacing and heart rate management. Riders have to present their horses at vet checks with heart rates under 64 bpm. “You need to give your horse every chance to trot well,” Linda explains. Listen now to hear the subtle skills involved.
Feeding & Supplements: Keep It Simple
Linda swears by high-quality fibre and minimal fuss. She favours brands like TopSpec and uses mash feeds during rides. Want to support your horse’s performance the way Linda does? Explore our Everyday Horse Vitamins & Supplements.
Don’t Overtrain—Train Smart
“Horses are athletes,” Linda reminds us. “You’d be surprised what they can do if you’ve got the basics right.” She cautions against overtraining, a mistake she admits to learning the hard way. Ride plans and rest days go hand in hand.
Endurance Gear Essentials
Linda’s kit is more practical than flashy—normal GP saddles, plastic bridles, and stirrups designed for long hours in the saddle. If you’re building your own endurance wardrobe, check out our collections of Jodhpurs, Horse Riding Boots, Gloves, and Socks.
Vetting Tips: Practice Makes Perfect
“Practice standing really still for a minute.” Yes, really. Linda walks her horses through mock vet checks at home, so when the pressure’s on, they’re ready. “One of my horses... I’m sure he knows how long a minute is.”
The Emotional Side of Endurance
“When I go to his competition... I still get goosebumps.” The highs are high, but Linda also reflects on the setbacks, like a fall in Belgium that dashed their hopes for a finish. Still, she maintains, “I’m proud of him and the team.”
Social Herding: Horses That Know Their Crew
Endurance horses aren’t just fit—they’re socially savvy. “They'll spot my husband or the car like, 'Oh, there they are.’” A good crew is just as vital as a good horse.
The Just Horse Riders Podcast: Real Talk, Real Riders
This episode is a masterclass in grit, grace, and gumption. Whether you’re dreaming of your first pleasure ride or prepping for a 160km international event, watch now to soak up Linda’s experience, laugh at her stories, and maybe even train your horse to pee on cue.
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