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[Roy Morgan <k1lky AT earthlink.net>]

[Not from Roy]

Van, you asked about a conditioning. It's possible that what you heard  
about was called "tying up" syndrome. It happens in horses that get  
worked regularly, and then STOP working, or in horses that put out a  
huge, unexpected effort.  Old timers sometimes called it "monday  
morning disease" because it happened in dray horses that would work  
all week long and then stand in stalls on Sundays, doing nothing. It's  
not about training, it's about fitness, and it's an individual thing.  
It doesn't happen to every horse, or even most horses, but it *can*  
happen, which is why some people are religious about keeping to a  
schedule, whatever it is.

In terms of fitness, they are just like people. Fat ones, thin ones,  
fit ones, the ones that stand out in a field being lawn  
furniture...equate them to people. You wouldn't ask a fat old man to  
climb a mountain until he'd gotten a bit fit...but he's probably  
capable of going for a walk...and then  another one...

In terms of remembering training, if they've been taught well, they  
don't forget. They may be a little rusty and need some leeway when you  
start working them again, but it's like riding a bike.  And just like  
people, they are individual...some like to work very much and sour a  
bit without it.  Some get sour when you ask them to work. I've had a  
few that would load themselves on the trailer if it was left open,  
because they wanted to GO.  Those are the good ones. : )

Moon