Slow and steady will win this race!
A fit horse is a healthy horse. Fitness can keep your horse sound and allow them to perform at their best. Much like a person, they will need a consistent and gradual fitness program. The last thing you want to do is push them way too hard and risk an injury. Their fitness plan should include a combination of cardiovascular health and strength building.
The Perfect Program
In order to create the ideal fitness program for your horse, you’ll need to customize it to their individual needs. Each horse will have a starting point and a target goal. You’ll also need to factor in your availability and commitment to this program. If you want success, then be consistent and keep realistic expectations.
Consider these points when constructing the perfect program.
- Start by assessing your horse’s current fitness level. Have they been ridden regularly? Those that have been out of work will need to be brought back into condition slowly.
- You can test your horse’s fitness with a short, easy workout. You’ll want to observe them carefully for heavy breathing and sweating. This can give you an idea if you need to take a step back or slightly intensify the sessions.
- Fitness can be developed through riding and in-hand work. The horse can move at different gaits, through a variety of terrain, and over obstacles. Aim for four to five sessions a week.
- Always include a warm-up and cool-down. These should never be skipped. Your warm-up can be roughly 10-15 minutes long and should be at the walk in the beginning. As your horse’s fitness improves, you can use this time to introduce the trot, as well.
- Introduce the canter when your horse is comfortable trotting. At first, keep the canter duration short and on level ground.
- Ground poles and small jumps can be incorporated once your horse’s fitness improves. They can help develop a solid topline.
- Getting your horse out on the trails can be a wonderful way to improve their fitness. They may go up and down hills, travel across different terrain, and step over obstacles like logs. Remember to keep rides short and easy in the beginning. Save the longer trail rides on vigorous terrain for when they’re more fit.
- Lounging and long reining can build muscles and improve flexibility on the days you don’t have the time or desire to ride.
A Sample Workout Plan
This program should consist of 4-5 sessions per week. It can be done under saddle, long reining, or a combination of both.
Week 1: 20 minutes of walking.
Week 2: 25 minutes of walking and 5 minutes of trotting.
Week 3: 30-40 minutes of walking and 10 minutes of trotting. Incorporate small hills.
Week 4: 30 minutes of walking, 15 minutes of trotting, and add some lateral work.
Week 5: 20 minutes of walking, 15 minutes of trotting, and 5 minutes of canter.
Week 6: 20 minutes of walking, 20 minutes of trotting, and 10 minutes of canter.
You may need to make adjustments. Listen to what your horse is telling you. If they’re sweating and breathing really heavy, then you may need to back down the intensity.
Fitness takes time to develop, so don’t be in a rush.
