Fitness Program(for the horse... not me)

[BossyBay]

Fitness program or ideas wanted.

Thoroughbred mare who was out of work 13 weeks, bought into light work for a fortnight before 2 weeks off. Have started to ride her 5 times a week. Two of those are trails where she trots 50%, canters 10% and walks 40% and the other three rides are working on skills. She's an ex racer so we're working on learning aids first.

Anyone have weekly programs or anything to get her VERY fit & in shape?

I know it is gradual work, increasing intensity and length but just need ideas.

Riding availability:
- 1 hour (minus warm up & cool down) 5 mornings a week.
- up to 2 hours 3 - 4 days a week
- any length of time weekends

No arena but hilly trails and open flat paddocks.

 

[be positive]

I suppose it depends why you want her very fit, she will have been extremely fit in her racing days so I assume she has retained a fair amount in the 3 months rest, the type of fitness will vary to a degree depending on the job you have in mind, endurance requires different muscles to racing, eventing yet more to work on as there is dressage and jumping involved so that all has to be taken into account with any fitness plan.
It sounds as if you have plenty of time to build up a bit more slowly than you are and to spend more time establishing the basics so she builds up a decent topline and muscle tone before you do too much fast work which will take a toll on her physically, no 2 horses are the same nor are our facilities so any plans need to suit the individual situation.