Fitness for Hunting

[horzes]

Hi,

I want to take my polo ponies hunting this season to keep them fit in the winter. I've done it before, but with one that I played in arena so she was already fit. My horses will have been off for a month, does anyone have any advice for getting them fit for hunting?

Thanks!

 

[PorkChop]

If they were properly fit before they were turned away, then I would allow 4-6 weeks to reach the fitness required for hunting, assuming they are not younger horses.

The first week walking, then the second week introducing trotting, cantering by the third week etc and then use a few days quiet cubbing to bring them up to fitness in time for opening meet. So in essence follow a traditional fitness plan, and you can incorporate some interval training in the latter stages as well.

If possible I would include road work in the slower stages, as the legs should be conditioned to road work, as there can be a fair bit of it.

 

[horzes]

Thanks,

There are some good hills here on roads that I'll do for the slower work. 6 weeks sounds like a good timeline, they are 8 and 12 so not too young or old.

 

[JenHunt]

that sounds like a good plan, and once you get trotting hills make a big difference to how quickly they can get fit!