Equine Conditioning Program
Getting your horse fit for Racing, Eventing, Show-Jumping and Polo Events
Introducing a new equine conditioning program. It is not an easy thing getting your horse fit for high level competition. A fit, sound horse feels better mentally during high competition and is not as likely to get hurt. Give your horse a competitive edge in racing, eventing, show-jumping and polo events with this galloping program.
For green broke horses this program could take up to 9 months. For horses already in training and who are moderately fit it might take between 3 and 5 months. How long it takes to get your horse to optimum fitness will depend on your horses conformation, mental attitude and his general soundness. This program takes so long because it take in consideration equine biomechanics and letting their systems adapt to training regime increases and getting fit without pushing them to a breakdown.
The goal of this program is “Aerobic Efficiency,” a gallop at a steady pace for three miles with speed work during first, second or third mile (depends on a horse’s style of running), with a mile jog warm-up and cool down. For race horses who never raced the goal is: 2 furlongs in :24, 3 furlongs in :39, 3 furlongs :37, 4 furlongs in :52, 4 furlongs in :50, 5 furlongs in 1:05, 5 furlongs in 1:01, 6 furlongs in 1:21, 6 furlongs in 1:18, then they should be ready for their first race.
Gate breaking is also available for horses, provided you have access to one. While I have never broken horses out of starting gates, I have knowledge of the horse’s nature and behavior as well as teaching horses to break into gallop from stand still.
Some Reminders:
Horses are galloped only every third or fourth day. In between days are “re-build” days when a horse should turn-out, round penned and/or taken on trail rides (walk with a little bit of trot).
Monitoring horse’s legs is very important, horse’s should not have puffy or hot legs on days they gallop, if they do, they need an extra day of rest.
Horses under a high training regimen require special nutrition which may include supplements and grain.
Some horses may also require special equipment such as wraps, bell boots, gallop boots, running martingales and/or special bits. Fit horses can get hard to handle and may need a stronger bit for you to be able to handle your horse in a safe manner.
