JoshuaR97
Well-Known Member
What can I do to make sure my cob is ready for the season ahead? Like making sure he is fit enough and has been out jumping different things?
Getting fit for the season..
- Thread starter JoshuaR97
- Start date
AmyMay
Situation normal
Make an exercise plan. If you are hunting from the start of the season you should be well in to your walking by now.
JenHunt
Well-Known Member
more than you think is really necessary!
you don't say how fit he is now - but assuming from field... start with 10 mins walk a day, for a week, then add 5 mins at a time (on roads and hills please, and a good positive walk) until he's doing at least 30mins. Then start adding some trot - add the trot at 5 mins a week until you're out for an hour, of which 30 mins is trot. then start adding short canters - working up to being out for an hour and a half, of which at least 20 mins is canter. include plenty of hills, and try to get him cantering well up them and being keen to carry on at the top. only then start with some jumping (IMO, because the adrenaline masks fitness issues!).
Don't skimp on the roadwork, that's what keeps the tendons strong. Hill work is for their heart and lungs.
As Amymay says above, if you're aiming for the opening meet then you should be well into walk work by now. if you intend to go cubbing then aim for starting canter work about 3 weeks before that.
you don't say how fit he is now - but assuming from field... start with 10 mins walk a day, for a week, then add 5 mins at a time (on roads and hills please, and a good positive walk) until he's doing at least 30mins. Then start adding some trot - add the trot at 5 mins a week until you're out for an hour, of which 30 mins is trot. then start adding short canters - working up to being out for an hour and a half, of which at least 20 mins is canter. include plenty of hills, and try to get him cantering well up them and being keen to carry on at the top. only then start with some jumping (IMO, because the adrenaline masks fitness issues!).
Don't skimp on the roadwork, that's what keeps the tendons strong. Hill work is for their heart and lungs.
As Amymay says above, if you're aiming for the opening meet then you should be well into walk work by now. if you intend to go cubbing then aim for starting canter work about 3 weeks before that.
Ditchjumper2
Well-Known Member
Walk, walk and walk some more. It is so boring but is the foundation of all fitness. I feel your pain as "fat cob" like me has summered too well and her stomach is still big......also like mine. My boys are so much easier.