| y"> | | | | Horse training for fitness takes you and your horse |
| Equine physical fitness can make or break success in | | | | from "where you are" to "where you want to be." I like |
| a horse show, equestrian competition, or pleasure trail | | | | to think of it as building a house, from foundation to |
| ride. Every horse rider is a trainer whether they know | | | | roof... to interior decorating! |
| it or not. Regardless of which sports or disciplines you | | | | * A healthy horse is your solid foundation. Your horse |
| enjoy, thinking of yourself as your horse's personal | | | | should be up to date on vaccinations, deworming, and |
| fitness trainer can either help or hinder your horse's | | | | hoof trimming or shoeing. He should be in good flesh |
| success. | | | | (resource the Body Condition Scale if you have |
| Designing a physical fitness program for your horse is | | | | questions.) Be aware of his current level of physical |
| straightforward. Attention to detail and slight tweaks in | | | | fitness. This will increase throughout your conditioning |
| your horse training routine now will reap dividends in | | | | program. |
| your horse's performance in the future. It is easy to | | | | * Well-fitting tack and equipment are your support |
| interweave fitness-building exercises with | | | | walls. You would never train to run a marathon in |
| confidence-building natural horsemanship drills or | | | | poorly-fitting running shoes or high heels! Your saddle, |
| skill-building horsemanship patterns. Follow the basic | | | | bridle and bit must all fit your horse well and be |
| rules of increasing physical fitness in your horse and let | | | | appropriate to your sport. |
| your creativity run wild! | | | | * Horse training basics form your roof. Is your horse |
| Before you create your training regime, establish your | | | | responsive? Is he obedient? As you create your |
| horse's baseline. This is "where you are." Honestly | | | | horse's fitness training program, think about ways you |
| evaluate your horse's current condition. A small | | | | can clarify communication and strengthen your |
| problem now can rapidly become a disaster as you | | | | relationship with your horse. This includes YOUR ability |
| increase your horse's workload through his conditioning | | | | to ride correctly and compassionately. Where can you |
| program. | | | | strengthen your own horse riding skills? |
| At the same time, consider your horsemanship goals, | | | | * Specialized equestrian skills make up your interior |
| or "where you want to be." Does your horse need to | | | | design. What skill set does your sport demand of you |
| be fit enough to mosey along a trail ride on a sunny | | | | and your horse? If you are a training your horse for |
| Saturday? Or does he need to speed through run | | | | competitive dressage, the demands are different than |
| after run at gymkhanas and jackpots? This answer | | | | if your goal is to "top ten" at an Endurance race. As |
| will guide you in mapping a successful fitness training | | | | you create your conditioning program, leave room for |
| program. | | | | training your horse these sport-specific skills. |