How to Rate Mileage
If the terrain allows, the following is an easy rule of thumb to go by. Trot for six minutes then walk for three minutes. Keep repeating that and you and your horse will finish within the time frame (not too fast and not too slow), it also allows for an even distribution of work and rest.
Carry a cheat sheet too (with the times/mileage). Set your watch at 12:00 when you start and check it when you go by the mile markers. You should be within the parameters below. If necessary, adjust your speed up or down. This is an example of the "cheat sheet" that I use.
| Miles to go | Your watch reads |
| 25 | 12:00 |
| 20 | 12:45 - 12:50 |
| 15 | 1:30 - 1:40 |
| 10 | 2:15 - 2:30 |
| 5 | 3:00 - 3:20 |
| 4 | 3:09 - 3:33 |
| 3 | 3:18 - 3:46 |
| 2 | 3:27 - 3:59 |
| 1 | 3:36 - 4:12 |
| 0 | 3:46 - 4:25 |