Interval Training recovery time & fitness

[juliap]

I'm struggling to get my ISH really fit. I've been doing interval work with him round a canter track. I've built it up over time from 2 x 2 mins with 5 mins recovery between to 2 x 5 mins with 2 mins between. Today I added further 3 min session & it took much longer for him to recover . Am I expecting too much or would the heat & humidity explain the extra time?

He is well built & a very good doer - on restricted grazing & it's hard to keep his weight down. We are doing unaff 90cm ODE's & can just make the time if I keep pushing but it would be nice to have him fitter so it's easier on both of us. I appreciate he won't ever be fast like horses with more TB in them.

Any advice on interval training & how to build it up or any other fitness help would be appreciated.

BTW he is worked 6 times a week, 2 x 45 min hacks with hill work, 1 or 2 jumping sessions, 1 interval (2 when ground softer but only have access to canter track once a wk) & a couple of 45 min schooling. Some days I'll hack out & then school.

 

[Baggybreeches]

I might be slightly inclined to believe you are doing a bit too much?
I have an 3/4 ID mare and she had to be ultra fit even to do dressage, but she found xc times quite easy, could it be that your rhythm and your perception of the correct pace is off? I know that whenever I train people they are quite surprised at true XC pace and the idea of meeting your fences on a forward stride. Once you crack the rhythm and proper speed I would think you will be fine.
Also remember that a lot of unaff ODE won't be measured as accurately as BE, so the time might not be right.

 

[kerilli]

tbh i'd try to find a good hill gallop, you'll be able to work the horse harder in a much shorter time than you can on a circular (flat?) gallops.
for instance when training for 2* i used to build up to 3 x 8-10 mins with 2-3 mins rest inbetween on circular gallops, but was able to change this to 3 or 4 x 1.5-2 mins with 2-3 mins rest on a good hill gallop. the horses breathe much more deeply at the top of the hill, in spite of the time elapsed being so much shorter. much less wear and tear on tendons etc. you must warm the horse up well at the slower paces before using hill gallops though obv.
i'd also do short sprints (once he's fully warmed up) of say 15 - 30 secs within your canter sessions. this really brings on fitness imho.

 

[Jul]

I would have thought that 2x5 mins with 2 mins between should be plenty for the level that you are competing at. As fatarse says, it's possible your canter speed isn't quite right when you're doing your interval training. Can you measure a distance and then time it so you get an idea of your speed? Then you can compare that to BE requirement which is 450mpm at intro (90cm).

Something which I find helps with fitness for my heavier one is long hacks, ie 90 mins rather than 45mins, with long steady trots, uphill if poss. This has really helped with her stamina. I try to do that at least once a week.

 

[juliap]

Thanks for the tips, I will try the longer hacks - we are on the Mendips so plenty of hills.
When the ground is softer I'll do some fast canters uphills.

I do try to push him on round for short spells round the canter track.

The ODE I have done have been at Stockland Lovell, Pontispool and W Wilts so I thought that as they run BE events the times should be fairly accurate - the W Wilts ODE was round the BE course except for the second part of one combination. I try not to check before fences & to ride them on a forward stride - except obviously things like steps or water.

I think I need to find someone who knows the right speed & to follow them round at the right pace on a schooling session. It is my first season eventing so there is lots to learn. I know he can do the pace as before I had him he did 3 BE events in within time.

I am loving it & am slowly getting over my nerves - it's the sj that I find hard. Spot is so genuine x-c & such a confidence giver. Thanks to everyone here who are so generous with their advice. CC welcomed on my position etc.

The address below goes to the event - it is the first few photos on B06 image4503 -4509

http://www.everybodysmile.biz/cgi-bin/public.cgi?form_status=order_image&img=W-Wilts_4-7-10_B06_IMG_4503{B06_Camera_B_X-C_3.49_to_4.43pm.jpg&anc=p42_0001_es&ss=1&imgcat=B06_Camera_B_X-C_3.49_to_4.43pm