
Originally Posted by
Panthera
tl;dr
If you're too excited before you even get on, you may fall out of the saddle before you know it. If you anticipate an occasion with your Chocobo, there's nothing wrong with a little warm-up beforehand. Feel free to stretch out for as long as you need, and there's certainly nothing wrong imagining what it's going to be like while on your Chocobo while you warm-up.
Now that you're ready, keep in mind a few things while you're riding. First, ease into it. This is for you and your Chocobo. Just because you've already warmed-up, doesn't mean she has. Rushing in at a full Gallop right from the start will end in a very short ride, and be unpleasant for your Chocobo. Walk your Chocobo for a few minutes first, and then settle into a comfortable Trot. Most riders and Chocobos can go for a very long time at this speed; pacing is the key.
Sooner or later, both rider and Chocobo will crave the exhiliration of a faster pace. Go ahead and move up to a Canter. This is not to be confused with going as fast as possible--that's a Gallop, which comes next and last. A Canter is noticeably faster than a Trot, but is still controlled and steady. A Canter is a happy medium between the Trot and the Gallop; it balances speed and duration. This may tire you sooner than a Trot will, but not nearly as fast as a Gallop will, but don't worry about it; your Chocobo understands this.
The thing about the speed of Canter is that it makes you both want more even more speed. Break into a Gallop. Don't expect to go at this pace indefinately. But that's OK, the Gallop isn't about duration; it's about speed, speed, speed! Use the riding crop on your Chocobo more liberally during this phase, but use restraint when doing so. Going this fast will draw the attention of other riders and the audience if there are any; ignore them and focus on the race at hand. If you can keep up that kind of pace long enough, you'll win the race, and both rider and mount are very, very happy. Congratulations!
A few things to consider. First, there's more to riding than just the riding part itself. There's putting the saddle on beforehand, so it will be safe. After the race, don't simply jump out of the stir-ups and walk off, leaving it to the stable boy to take care of her afterwards. Talk to your Chocobo afterwards while grooming her; she'll appreciate the extra, personal attention from you. Tell her how much you liked riding her and what it meant to you. Give her a tasty treat after the race; some Chocobos like apples or even carrots. All of this takes time and is part of the total riding experience, so you're actually riding for a lot longer than you think!
Consider letting your Chocobo take control, and allow it to decide for herself the speed and direction. Closing your eyes and thinking about something else will generally help you stay in the saddle longer. Think about something that isn't too exciting, like gardening or HELMing. However, she might get to where she wants to go faster than you think. Give it a breather, then take the lead back. You're in charge now, and let her know it. Pull her by the mane to control steering. Go as fast as you want, as your chocobo has already had her turn, and can scarcely complain.
Try a change of scenery. Where you're doing it is just as much a part of racing as how long you're racing. The Chocobo Circuit is all well and good, with its cheering audience and other racers, but after dozens and dozens of times, one can walk away from it with a sense of "been there, done that." Try other places, too. Have a good ride in front of people partying in Wajaom Woodlands; they're sure to stop and notice! If you'd rather just have time with your Chocobo without people watching, there are dozens of zones with no one in them across Vana'diel. It's just a matter of searching zones, and taking advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.
When all is said and done, the simple fact is that no one cast last forever, and you're not supposed to. The entire point of the ride is to get there--and not just you, your Chocobo too!--not how long or how short it takes. There is such a thing as a jaunt that takes too long, and if you don't end up getting to where you're going, you and your chocobo will just be both frustrated and sore from all that galloping. Just be happy you got where you were going, and hopefully had fun getting there. Remember, if you treat her right, your Chocobo is just happy to be with you, and doesn't mind a quick Gallop from time-to-time.