getting a horse fit

[stacie21]

my horse a 4 yr old has been unsound for a while and had 4 months off and before that he only done light hacking education and was sound then but done something to make him lame.but now vet said i need to start to get him fit and build muscle as should help him but only time will tell just going to start with hacking walking then introduce trotting my question is how do you get your horses fit exercises ect got a few pole exercises to do in walk just getting him useing himself but any suggestions welcome i also keep a diary of what i do with him so 1 i do a variety of work mix it up and 2 can see what i done for how long and increase gradually on weekly the 2 weekly basis

 

[Bug2007]

Depends on the horse really, but a general way to get your horse fit is to start hacking in straight lines in walk building from 15 minutes up to an hour and a half over two weeks. This hardens the legs up before turns and trot is introduced. Helps to toughen up softened skin under the saddle bridle and girth areas.
After this then introduce trot short bursts a couple of times in each hack until you have built it up to longer periods over about a week and a half this will help the legs again and will now start to increase the lung and heart function. After this short scholling session in walk and trot using circles and poles. Hacking using hills in walk and trot. After three to four weeks canter can be introduced for short periods in the school and while out, once this has been started then jumps and then a good pipe opener at about six weeks.

Again this is all horse dependant....the most important bit is the walk at the start as this is the bit that strengthens the soft muscles, tendons, ligaments and skin.
Some horses pick up fitness quicker than others and some take a lot longer.

Have fun doing it. Hope this has helped.

 

[Paint it Lucky]

I agree with Sammi to an extent but as your horse was previously injured I would want to take things more slowly with him, ideally I would spend 6 weeks in walk (I know this may sound boring but it is the best way to strengthen a horses legs, muscles, tendons and ligaments etc properly. Could you take him out for some walks in hand? As a youngster it would be good for his education, getting him to see the world and will also help improve your bond with him. You don't say what injury he had so I may be being over cautious but it is better to be carefull especially as he is so young.

 

[stacie21]

well we not really sure on injury just a slight irregularity on hock x ray yes i will hack in walk and will be taking it slow but vet advised i do need to get him fitter and build muscle on his back end and this may be half the problem but thank you for your time and help

 

[Paint it Lucky]

No worries Hillwork is good for building hindquarter muscles (coming down hills can be just as good as going up as horses often try to go crooked, workon keeping him straight so he learns to use himself properly.) Pole work is also good. I would try to stick to straight lines for a while, avoid too much lunging until he is stronger as it can be very hard work. Maybe try long-lining as this adds variety and will get him focused on you, see if you can long-line over the poles, round obstacles etc to make it more interesting. I hope his hock is alright and nothing serious, may be worth giving him a joint supplement if you're not already, just in case.