Assessing Your Horse's Fitness: Key Indicators to Consider

Is your horse fit? Now that is a tricky question isn't it. The main thing here is to make sure that your horse is fit for the job that is required of them. This is an important statement because what one horse requires may differ to another. The fitness levels of a horse going eventing is going to be different than that of a horse that is ridden once or twice a week for example. The fitness levels of a dressage horse also differs. If you think about it, dressage horses must have immense strength and flexibility that they can sustain for long periods of time, this is endurance. An event horse must have endurance but also speed as does a show jumper however where this differs is in the length of time and output. A show jumper is a number of seconds to maybe a few minutes of intensity whereas an event horse must maintain speed and thrust for over 5min and throughout the day.

What type is your horse?

The other question that you must consider is the type of horse ie. their conformation, amount of blood, temperament and age. Why would this matter? A more blood horse that is quite busy out in the field will be much fitter than say a cob that doesn't naturally move around as much. Likewise a cob or draught may take longer to reach peak fitness because of their shear muscle mass.

How do you improve fitness?

The obvious answer here is to make an assessment yourself about what you expect your equine partner to do each week and analyse how the horse performs and what their recovery is like after each task. If you are in any doubt then ask your coach or mentor if they can help you to make that assessment. I would even go so far as to say don't be afraid to ask and to clarify because even for the most experienced person, it can be hard to make an unbiased assessment.

A plan of action

Once you have decided, try and come up with a plan that includes fun! Don't make it dreary and boring! Think outside the box. You could incorporate hacking, lunging, long reining, in-hand training, pole work etc into your weekly sessions. Remember not everything has to be done under saddle and often times you will be more effective on the ground and help your horse to develop correct muscle that way.

Cardiovascular fitness

To begin with, consider incorporating a variety of exercises that can enhance your horse's cardiovascular fitness. Activities such as interval training, where you alternate between periods of high intensity and rest, can be highly effective in improving stamina. Additionally, engaging in different riding disciplines, such as dressage, jumping, or hacking, can provide a well-rounded fitness regime that challenges your horse in unique ways, thereby preventing monotony and keeping both you and your horse motivated.

Learn a new skill

Learning a new skill such as in-hand training or long reining could be the way to go to add variety and a bit of cross training. This is a diverse skill that allows you to work on fitness, transitions, lateral movements and straightness all whilst being off of your horses' back (contact us to start your in-hand or long reining journey). Furthermore, it is essential to focus on building muscle strength through targeted exercises. In-hand training can significantly contribute to muscle development while also improving your horse's balance and coordination.

Hacking

Hacking is probably an obvious one but also one that can be overlooked. It may take time to organise if you have to box up to find some good trails, but time outside of the arena is as important for your head remember as it is for your horse. This also gives to a chance to improve your horses' proprioception by working on a variety of surfaces and inclines/declines. This is as invaluable for a young horse as it is for an older horse. Incorporating hill work into your routine can also be beneficial, as it requires your horse to engage different muscle groups while promoting endurance.

Nutrition

Consider the importance of proper nutrition in conjunction with your training regimen. A well-balanced diet rich in the necessary vitamins and minerals will support your horse's muscle recovery and overall performance. Consulting with a veterinarian or an equine nutritionist can provide valuable insights into the best dietary practices tailored to your horse's specific needs.

Conclusion

In short, once you have thoroughly assessed your horse's fitness level and made an informed decision regarding whether he has met the necessary requirements for further training, it is time to embrace the exciting opportunity to have fun while exploring new methods and techniques aimed at building both stamina and muscle strength. This process is not simply about pushing your horse to its limits; rather, it involves a thoughtful approach to training that prioritizes the well-being and overall health of your equine partner. Lastly, remember that building stamina and muscle is a gradual process that requires patience and consistency. Celebrate small milestones along the way, and always listen to your horse's body, adjusting your training plans as necessary to prevent injuries. By making this journey enjoyable and rewarding for both you and your horse, you will foster a deeper bond and achieve greater success in your training endeavors.