howdo i make up a training programme formy horse

[Ponypopster]

Im taking on a horse for full loan. He currently gets ridden once a week if that so is unfit. I was thinking of coming up with a training programme when I get him in order to inrease his fitness however I dont know what to do. Ive read loads to do hacking however during the weeknights I can only school or free school so I am look for some help to come up with a programme. T.I.A.

 

[Pigeon]

Do you have any poles? There's lots of good stuff you can do, start off with walk poles in hand, then undersaddle. You can do them on a line, in a fan, raised etc. Trot poles are good for fitness but walking is best for loosening the hips and gradually building muscle. Just increase gradually. Teaching things like rein back, turn on the forehand, walk pirouette can be beneficial, they all help muscles without being too cardiovascular. Start off in hand, he might find them hard at first so don't overdo it. Lunging is fine but quite a stress on joints, so keep moving (rather then having him circling you) and start off with very short sessions. Horses don't like to stick to programmes haha, so really you have to look and see how he is coping before you increase the exercise. If he's been turned out he shouldn't be horrifically unfit, but will likely be unbalanced and lacking in muscle.