How often does your horse get a holiday/break?

BorgRae

BorgRae

Well-Known Member
Joined
10 September 2010
Messages
461
Location
Lancashire
Visit site
As title really!

I'm interested to know how often you give your horse a holiday? By this I mean 1 or 2 (or more) weeks off. I don’t mean the odd day a week, but I mean time off completely from training?

Do you do it yearly, 6 monthly, or never?? And for how long? :D
 
Mine don't work that hard, so I don't worry too much. They always get at least one day off a week, I think that's part of the Maker's specs myself.

They only get holidays when (1) It rains every day for several days [fairweather rider], (2) They seem a bit wrong, but not bad enough to get the vet, (3) They've worked unusually hard for a bit.

I'm very much in favour of turning away youngsters after breaking.
 
My horse had a year off and there was nothing wrong with her, nor did she need a break, it was me that was broken and still an on going struggle.
My horse is purely for pleasure riding so is in extremely light work so i don't give her a holiday
 
My horse is realistically in the top end of light work (schooled, hacked, jumped) although through the summer he is ridden nearly every day and gets a good gallop at least once a week. He gets 1 or 2 days a week off in general and thats only for my benefit as life is very busy.

A few weeks ago when I had 2 friends horses too look after as well he got the whole week off, but I can say it benefited him. He was just the same when I rode again! Last winter we couldnt ride due to weather for nearly 3 weeks so I suppose this is his holiday time :)
 
At month my lad is on a almost permanent holiday, not because of his health though, I'm just so busy I can't find time to ride :(, he's happy as larry
though :)
 
Reg goes on holiday once a year for 8 weeks, from now til the end of December. He's in hard work, and is learning a lot and changing shape and way of thinking so needs a mental and physical break. Also, mum and Al need a break- Al has exams coming up, so not having the distraction of Reg allows her more time to properly knuckle down!
 
Mine only have a break if I'm away on holiday or if it is snowing and it is impossible to ride! They haven't had any time off since it last snowed as I took them on holiday with me this year!
 
I work on the basis that they usually get enough enforced breaks due to injury/illness/bad weather that they don't need planned ones as well! However, if there is a period of time when they have worked particularly hard, then I will try and ensure this is followed by a couple of weeks of gentle hacking interspersed with days off.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top