Fitness Plan for Old Style 3DE

Cyclops

Cyclops

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Ok - so I've stupidly gone and qualified for the Riding Clubs Open 3DE Championships - 5 weeks away - Now my girl is a 15.2 DWB so a little bit "chunky" but can gallop (we were 7 seconds within the time at Eland). I have done three BE Novices this year and am doing Buckminster next weekend but have never done anything with roads and tracks and steeplechase and for the life of me I can't find anything on the BHS/Riding Club web site about what the distances/optimum times are for the Championships- (I May be being very thick).
Firstly can any of you bright sparks out there tell me what the distances of section A, B, C and D are likely to be and also the speed needed per metre.

Also what sort of training do you do bearing in mind she is reasonably fit (ie able to do a novice XC on or around the time) but we need to get the stamina into her for the other stuff (steeplechase and a few miles of fas roads and tracks).

Also, should I up her feed for energy levels?? She has been eventing out of the field so far this season (last season she was stabled at night and out in the day) - but she is carrying a bit more weight now so I need to bring her in off the grass (she is a very good doer) . I have just been feeding her calm and condition with half a scoop of power and performance added for the week before an event mixed with Dengie Hi Fi, oil, etc.

Any advice would be much appreciated as there is not much out there on the web regarding how to deal with horses doing long format 3de's any more as they are so rare.
 
Milton Keynes Eventing Centre have got some useful information on their website regarding their unaff 3DE which is long format.

Although it might no be specific for your event it will probably be very useful
 
From experience of doing the Open Milton Keynes 3DE several times (albeit quite a while ago now), I would say if she's fit enough for Novice BE, then you won't need to do anymore than keep her ticking over at her current level.

Although the speeds/distances might be slightly different, they won't be a million miles apart. The Milton Keynes website has some useful booklets you can download. :)

Good luck J! :D
 
Thanks - will have a look - but I'm think I'm going to email BHS tomorrow because they should put up rough distances and optimum times so we know what to work to and for the life of me, I can't find anything (but I can be a bit of a numpty). They should be aware that very few (if any) of us have done long format 3DE's before and should give us guidance so we can do the right thing by the horses.
 
if you can, get hold of Ginny Leng's Training The Event Horse, that was my bible for fitness training for Long Format 3-days up to and incl 3*. great tables at the back explaining exactly what she did with different horses, and why.
having said which... i think that phase A and C speeds are much slower now (it was 4 minutes per mile back then iirc, so you had to get a bit of a clip on and keep it up), so, fit enough to do a good active hour's hack without being fatigued, would be a good start. i'd want to work on some quick sprints mixed in with gallop work, done twice a week ideally. i'd do interval training, so say 3 canters at about 4 mins long, with 2-3 mins rest in between depending on weather conditions, (longer if it's hot, less if it's cool) and depending on recovery time (counting respirations), then making the canter sessions longer, and incorporating the odd sprint. that's on a round gallop. if an uphill gallop then shorter times obv, determined by length of gallops. (i've posted about all this before, answering posts about fitness regimes, you might be able to find them if nobody else answers!)
very best of luck, enjoy it!
 
thanks MM (A) -have looked at Milton Keynes site and it is very helpful - but still think it atrocious that BHS/Riding Clubs don't seem to put anything similar up or tell you what distances you are going to be travelling in the event and at what pace.

Also comment on my feeding and what sort of interval work I should be doing would be MOST welcome!!!
 
Thanks Kerilli - I've got Ginny's book somewhere (in a packing case probably) but will dig it out and have some nighttime reading!!! I do still think that BHS should give us more information though!!!! I heard that there were a lot of weary horses coming out to show jump on the last day last year which ok is prob down to people not thinking to be prepared but may also have been down to lack of info as to what is expected of the horses. The Milton Keynes info is very useful.
 
if you can get hold of any of lucinda greens old books she details interval training methods which, although old fashioned I like the idea and thinking behind it - makes an awful lot of sense
 
What would I do without you guys - thanks for the suggestions and advice - keep them coming! I'm a nervous wreck about this and it five weeks away - got Buckminster to contend with first!!!! Bounce at Fence 5 or 6 (?) worries me greatly!!!!!!!
 
Cyclops said:
What would I do without you guys - thanks for the suggestions and advice - keep them coming! I'm a nervous wreck about this and it five weeks away - got Buckminster to contend with first!!!! Bounce at Fence 5 or 6 (?) worries me greatly!!!!!!!
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that bounce is a weird one, i got just the approach and shot on both of mine that i wanted last time i did it, and neither made it feel good, but both jumped it cleanly... a friend said the same thing. good thing is that since it's early on they have lots of petrol in the tank. practice some at home the same sort of size and you'll be fine imho.
 
I got given this awhile ago, think it's pretty old but it's roughly what I do with my guy.
I'll copy and paste here, beware it's rather long!

HOW TO INTERVAL TRAIN YOUR HORSE
TO GLORY

Breaking down a fitness regime to achievable and consistent steps is the best way to ensure your horse is able to cope with the rigours of training and competing without ills, or injury.
Physical fitness is a huge focus in training of human athletes to achieve their competitive goals from track and field events to race car drivers - the successful ones will look after their body and their mind to get into peak physical shape.* Many horse owners focus on techniques required to do the competition such as jumping or dressage rather than the systematic approach required to balance both technique and fitness level.
So here is how to build your horse up both physically and mentally to cope with the rigours of training.

WHAT TO DO
Prior to starting it is important for your horse to have appropriate education, not only in your chosen sport, but also with riding in wide open spaces.
This training programme should be run on a five day cycle; however you can alter depending on the intensity of your competition.* It is not to be run shorter than four days.* If your horse has additional health issues or considerations you must consult your vet to ensure you keep your horse in top shape.
Have a look at the first day of training and ensure that your horse is fit enough to easily manage this level.* If he is not, then break the first level down further and build your horse up from where he can comfortably work without discomfort.
Ensure you do all levels of this training programme - particularly the early stages of trot as it hardens the horse's legs to cope with the higher intensity of the programme as it continues.*


Session One
Day 1 - Start by doing a 10 minute walk to warm up.
Next do: 3 minute trot, 3 minute walk, 3 minute trot, 3 minute walk, 3 minute trot.
Warm down; 10 minute walk cool down.
Day 2 - walk out for 1-2 hours or rest day
Day 3 and 4 - Technical training such as schooling or jumping.
Day 5 - rest.

Session Two
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
4 minute trot, 3 minute walk, 4 minute trot, 3 minute walk, 4 minute trot.

Session Three
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
5 minute trot, 3 minute walk, 5 minute trot, 3 minute walk, 5 minute trot.

Session Four
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
3 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 3 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 3 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.

Session Five
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
3 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 3 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 2 minute canter at 350 metres per minute then 1 minute at 400 metres per minute.


Session Six
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
4 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 4 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 4 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.


Session Seven
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
4 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 4 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 3 minute canter at 400 metres per minute then 1 minute at 500 metres per minute.

PLEASE NOTE: Young horses, dressage and show jumpers should not do any more strenuous than this level.

Session Eight
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
5 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 5 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 5 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.

Session Nine
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
5 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 5 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 4 minute canter at 400 metres per minute then 1 minute at 500 metres per minute.


Session Ten
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
6 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 6 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 6 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.

Session Eleven
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
6 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 6 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 5 minute canter at 400 metres per minute then 1 minute at 500 metres per minute.

Session Twelve
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
7 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 7 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 7 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.

Session Thirteen
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
7 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 7 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 7 minute canter at 350 metres per minute, 6 minute canter at 400 metres per minute then 1 minute at 500 metres per minute.


Session Fourteen
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
8 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 8 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 8 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.

Session Fifteen
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
8 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 8 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 8 minute canter at 350 metres per minute, 7 minute canter at 400 metres per minute then 1 minute at 500 metres per minute.

Session Sixteen
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
9 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 9 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 9 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.

Session Seventeen
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
9 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 9 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 9 minute canter at 350 metres per minute, 8 minute canter at 400 metres per minute then 1 minute at 500 metres per minute.


Session Eighteen
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
10 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 10 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 10 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.

Session Nineteen
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
10 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 10 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 10 minute canter at 350 metres per minute, 9 minute canter at 400 metres per minute then 1 minute at 550 metres per minute.

Session Twenty
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
11 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 11 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 11 minute canter at 350 metres per minute.

Session Twenty-one
Follow the same warm up, warm down and routine for the next 5 days.
11 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 11 minute canter, 3 minute walk, 11 minute canter at 350 metres per minute, 10 minute canter at 400 metres per minute then 1 minute at 650 metres sprint.

Things to remember:
Count one and two day events which you use to prepare for your bigger event as your stress days where you do your interval training described.
The last stress day should be 5 days before your cross country of your final event.
Do nothing on your stress day only warm up, interval training and cool down and finish.
Monitor the horse's respiratory rate and if your horse is still blowing and puffing prior to the next canter then extend the walk.* Remember that it is supposed to be easy, the last thing we want to do is sour your horse to working in this way.* Don't move up to the next stage until you feel your horse's fitness is ready for it.
For a novice horse, show jumping or dressage, aim for no more than 7 minute canters.
* The rest is aimed at intermediate and advanced Eventers or more endurance based competitions aiming for a 3 day event.
It is most important to remember that fast work is what will break your horse down.* Try to find the level where your horse is fit enough to compete at ease.* Adding unnecessary fitness will also add additional stress on the legs and therefore increases your risk of unsoundness.* Good Luck!
 
All the distance times etc are on the BRC website in the appendixis (sp) we have a team qualified too (int) they are the maximum but it gives you speed etc we find best to get fit enough to do the max distances and if they are shorter then great.

The distances etc are there for all RC comps so you have totscroll down to the eventing bit good luck.

sorry dont know how to do links
 
Chels - I think your plan is very tough - three 11 min canters? That's a lot!:eek:

I got help from Caroline Moore (CDT team) before Blair. This was what she suggested and he was plenty fit enough.

"You need to either do sprint work one day then the next session do long slows, however, if your horse is a little stuffy or lacks TB quality I would do more sprint work than long slows as it tends to sharpen them and improves speed. I would set out the three canters (when doing your slow stamina work) and increase the length of time towards the 3x6mins over the last 5 weeks before the 3day. An example of a training plan for the last 5 weeks leading up to Blair (taking it that he is fit and running well at N/Int level)
1st FW day.....warm up and. 2 sprints up 5 furlong gallops at 550mpm (takes about minute and 40secs)
2nd FW day.....3x4mins at approx 400mpm on good grass
3rd FW day....2 sprints up gallops at 570mpm
4th FW day ....3 sprints up gallops at 570mpm
5th FW day.....3x5mins at 450mpm
6th FW day.....3 sprints at 570 (last one quicker at end)
7th FW day ....3x6 min canters at approx 470mpm
Last Fast Work 2 sprints at 570 mpm and 1 sprint bit quicker

I hope all that makes sense, each time you do a period of FW be aware of how quick he is recovering to see if it improves. "

One adjustment I used to the above was a suggestion from Olivia Haddow who got a 15.2 cob round Badminton. She said that if they are less TB (as mine is) that I should adjust the final two slow canters to a longer on in the middle so he gets used to cantering for about the length of time of the XC at Blair (8 mins) so my last two were 4- 7- 4 and 4.5- 8- 4.5

But we all have our own way of doing things!!:)
 
I was at the championships last year doing the intermediate which runs over the same days as the open & like you I was in a panic the 5 weeks before that my horse wouldn't be fit enough & that she would not be able to cope with it all.

From my own experience there was no need to panic at all as it was alot easier than I thought. The time on the roads & tracks was very generous & I was 30 seconds under the time on the steeplechase. :rolleyes: I even got time penalities on the XC for going too fast as BRC have a rule that if you are more than 15 seconds under the optimum time you get TP for going to fast. :rolleyes: Wasn't aware of this ruling & yes I even had a stopwatch on as well but she is a ex racehorse & you just get her into a rhythm & let her get on with it but in hind sight I should of trotted over the finish line but you live & learn & I wont be making that mistake this year.

I still have the progamme from last year that has all the distances & speeds in it & though this may change from last year I will PM you over the weekend with the info from last year so you know what you have to deal with.

With have qualified a senior team in all 3 sections this year with me being in the novice this time around so hopefully we will see you there. :D
 
Shipley - found it - I was being a numpty!!!!! Many thanks

Chels - thanks for the fitness plan - will read and digest!!!

Kerilli - Have dug out my old Ginny Leng book - forgotten how informative it is. Practising bounces next week - just worry about the girlie trying it in one! -May take the long route. Thanks
 
Chels, i think that'd get the horse fit for a LF 4*, that's an unrelenting regime, jeeez. I think that would break down more horses than it would get fit!
afaik cantering twice a week is the usual way, ish.
Cyclops, the two parts of the bounce look totally different (as they should be with a good course designer!), i can't see any horse trying to jump it in one (unless you approach at a flat out gallop...!)
 
SW66 - Many thanks - that would be great

I have worked out a plan for the girlie and started on it this morning and we are off to Osberton tomorrow for an active trot/canter session round the estate!! To be honest, I don't think she will be too far off - it's probably just the pace of the steeplechase which may do her as she is a DWB but as long as I get a good rhythm going we will hopefully be ok. Am going over to Northern Racing Coll as well to pop a few of their fences and have the odd whizz round their gallops. I'm assuming the fences in the steeplechase wont be as big as the open ditch chase fence in the Richmond Novice Course!!!!
 
If you are doing BE novice XC then you will find the steeplechase easy as the intermediate & the open use the same jumps. Last year I got myself convinced they would look like the national hunt ones :rolleyes: & I can honestly say I got myself in a right state over nothing.

There are only 3 fences & you go round twice, the time allowed was 2 minutes for the intermediate & I am sure it was the same for the open but will confirm this over the weekend.

It really was great fun last year & I am so pleased I have qualified again this year although the novice is run over 2 days & we do not have the trot up which is a shame as that made it feel like a proper 3DE.
 
SW66 said:
t in hind sight I should of trotted over the finish line .
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I don't know if this applies in BRC comps or not but at MK3DE I had a vague memory of this not being allowed, so had a squizz at the MK site and it says in their booklet "there must be no change of pace or direction after you have jumped the penultimate fence. This is on penalty of elmination. Therefore you must ensure that your horse does not fall into trot after the last fence as you are not riding forward".
 
My daughter has qualified for the past 3 years (probably won't this year) and has found that if you and your horse are BE Nov fit, then just upping the canter work (length) in the month between the qualifier and the champs was enough. Good luck - which class you doing?
 
kerilli said:
Chels, i think that'd get the horse fit for a LF 4*, that's an unrelenting regime, jeeez. I think that would break down more horses than it would get fit!
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You would only do as much as you needed though. Like I do five minute canter sets with mine once a week, there is no need for him to do 11 minute canters for PN/N! Perhaps should have added that in.
I found it worked well for mine, he's quite heavy and doesn't gallop well naturally. He hunts and will lope along all day, but we struggle to make time. That kind of thing has helped him build up stamina
 
Supagran - thanks for reply - we're in the Open!!!! I've now worked out a plan of campaign. She did the BE Novice track at Eland to qualify for this inside the time and galloped well up the hill at the end so hopefully she isn't far off being right. But she is only 6 so I want to make sure I've got her right rather than asking too much. Been for a long, fast hack round Osberton today followed by a splash in the river and a short stressage session tomorrow then interval training on the gallops on Monday. She's out in the day to stretch her legs - but she does like to stuff that tummy full of grass!!!!! Hope your daughter qualifies again!
 
Just found out that both my daughters qualified - in the Intermediate. There is an Area Team rather than a club team for us. Really pleased as one of our horses has been off the road for about 3 years with serious issues and went very well to come second. Don't think we'll be stabling at ALW as we only live 40 minutes away and therefore will travel in each day which also means the horses get turnout at home. Good luck, and enjoy the weekend, its usually good fun (even if it rains!). PM me if you need any help!
 
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