Getting horse fit

[luane1]

My horse has been out in the field on a break for 2 months, want to sell him but I reckon we would do better if he was in and fit, is there a rule of thumb about how many weeks in work to have him fit. We can put him in the walker and school him a bit, he is a pain to hack. Want to sell him as a dressage prospect as he has such presence is a gorgeous looker and fabulous paces but he hasnt done any yet. So looking for a buyer who want to train a horse.

 

[Shilasdair]

To fitten him....
3 weeks walk
3 weeks walk and trot
3 weeks trot and canter to jumps
3 weeks more to compete, XC school etc.
If TB will fitten heart and lungs faster...but limbs slower...so don't be fooled by an apparently fresh horse. If he has always been in hard work (aside from 2 month break) limbs should be pretty good anyway.
Hope this helps
S

 

[luane1]

Thanks, he has been in hard work until I gave him the break and he was very fit and still has a good shape

 

[Shilasdair]

Then he'll get fit faster...it's always wise to allow more time to avoid tempting the Gods of Lameness though

S