Woork load Question

pistolpete

pistolpete

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My horse is a Rockley success story, been barefoot since December last year. Had back and neck issues the year before which were never fully understood despite Liphook bone scans x-rays etc. He had some dental issues all now resolved. he has also had mild COPD controlled with wet hay. I have been riding him three or four times a week and he is definitely getting fitter. I constantly worry about putting too much pressure on him. How do you measure fitness and amount of work a horse is capable of? I am 11st and he is a 15.1 warmblood. He seems really happy in his work although sometimes seems tired. ?Lazy? Virtually no hard feed as very good doer. Okay weight-wise stabled at night.
 
I too have been reluctant to push my girl - it's surprising how much is ok for them though. My mare can do a whole hour of flatwork or 2 hour hack without being footy or sweaty. She even did nearly an hours jumping lesson without appearing tired. I classed her as unfit but clearly it is me not her ;)
 
I think if you do a mix of work, give an easy day after a harder one they get fitter without having too much pressure put on them, if he feels tired back off a little then gradually increase the work once or twice a week, this hot weather may not help it can be draining for them as well as us, if you can do another day so he gets 5 lots of exercise each week it may help his fitness, interval training may be useful or plenty of slow steady hillwork to increase the work without putting him under pressure, once they get really fit it is far easier to maintain a level even if they have some time off.
I spent months last year rehabbing one of mine, riding him 6 days a week almost every week, he started off fairly weak lacking muscle after an injury and long period of total box rest, he was turned away for a break in Feb but has kept most of the muscle he built up last year, he came back into work feeling fairly fit after 3 months off, he has lost some topline due to further problems but to look at he still appears pretty fit even though I know he is not, starting rehab part 2 next week which should be easier than last time as he will not get tired so quickly.
 
Thanks BP, I have no real structure to my work with him which is part of the problem! No hills to speak of here either. We average about 4 hours work a week. You have given me some good ideas though. Loving having my horse to ride and terrified of 'breaking' him! Interestingly it was hot today and he was really lively!
 
Have upped workload slightly but I think him being muzzled and losing some weight has been more instrumental in his feeling livelier.
 
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