Get Your Horse in Shape

After we've walked five or 10 minutes, we'll trot around the arena long enough to get his respiration rate up, and we'll likely see a little bit of sweat behind his ears and on his shoulders. Then we'll walk again until his respiration goes back to normal before repeating the process in the other direction. After the second cool-down, we'll likely lope a few times each way around the arena, separated by some more walking. Then we'll end walking again to cool him down, or even taking him on a trail ride while he cools off. As he rejoins the workforce, we want him to look forward to being ridden.

Each day, you'll increase the strenuous workout time by adding a little more trotting or loping to his workout. But keep one important thing in your mind. You're working him "out" then cooling him "down." If you're workout is "working your horse up" and he's getting more excited, you're doing too much fast work.

After the first few days, you might want to start letting him trot and slow lope through the pattern, but please do not go any faster at this point. You're simply rehearsing the basics with him-collection, flexion and the proper route through the pattern.

Continue to increase the workout through the first month, then find a balanced routine that continues to build your horse's wind and muscle strength.

Also, since his muscles are still weak, he may be clumsier during this early conditioning time, or he may just take a wrong step. Either way, he is more prone to injury now. Take care of his legs by using leg protection, such as wraps or support boots, on him when you're working.

If you changed his feeding routine during his lay-off, gradually change his diet to accommodate his training and competition needs. You want to do this slowly, so you do not cause laminitis or colic from the dietary changes.

These guidelines are also applicable to a horse coming back from an injury. You want to go slow.

Also, the level of competition will make a difference in how much conditioning is enough for your horse. If your kids are using him for playdays and he's going to be loping slowly through a pattern, then he obviously does not need as much preparation. If your horse is going to be running at pro rodeos, then he'll need a lot more time to get to his peak performance level.

However long it takes, be fair to your horse. Be conscientious and consistent about providing your timed-event horse with the exercise and training he needs to be fit to run.